The ARTbility of Dawn Okoro

Wonderfully talented with a brilliantly eclectic style,Dawn Okoro is artist born to a Nigeria father and an African- American mother.  By age 18, Dawn Okoro’s art was displayed in the Texas State Capitol building. Several celebrities such as  Erykah Badu; Victoria’s Secret model, Nichole Robinson; and Shaun Robinson of Access Hollywood have commissioned her to paint for them.

AG: Who is Dawn?

DAWN: I am a sister, daughter and an artist.

AG: You were born in Lubbock, Texas. What was it like growing up there?

DAWN: I was actually born in Houston, Texas, but I did grow up in Lubbock. Lubbock is a conservative small city of about 200,000 people. I would describe it as a typical suburban city in the US.  I feel that remaining in Lubbock, a person does not have then opportunity to be exposed to a variety of cultures.  I turned out just fine, but after I graduated from high school I moved away.

AG: How did you initially become interested in art?

DAWN: I have enjoyed drawing for almost as long as I can remember. That naturally led me to become interested in art.

AG: How does your African heritage shape the lens with which you view the

world?

DAWN: I was not raised by my African relatives and did not get a chance to adopt that culture or way of viewing the world. I do have relatives in Nigeria and hope to spend some time there soon.  However, my work is informed by my experiencesas a black woman in America.It's rare to find women who look like me portrayed in a positive manner in mainstream American media. I have create artwork to challange that.

AG: Did you always have the intention to become a professional artist?

DAWN: Yes, I knew from an early age that I was going to be an artist.

AG: Why law and not a degree in art?

DAWN: Before going to law school, I had reached a fork in the road. I had the choice to either pursue art 100% or go more conventional route. I didn't want to end up being a poor artist, so I went to law school.
After I graduated from law school, I knew that law was not for me and now here I am pursuing art 100%.

AG: How were you able to balance you life as an artist and studies when in school?

DAWN: It was difficult to balance the two worlds. Although, my art helped me survive financially and mentally, my growth as an artist almost came to a halt those three years in law school.

AG: Do you have plans to ever practice law?

DAWN: I am open to it. I have an interest in intellectual property and contract law. However, I plan to spend the next few years dedicated to my art practice.

AG:  How would you describe your work?

DAWN: My work is usually oil or acrylic on canvas.  I usually paint women in strong powerful poses in saturated colors.

AG: Do you have some works you would like to share it us?

"Frame" oil and acrylic on canvas, 24x36 inches

"Animadversion" oil and acrylic on canvas, 24x34 inches

"Bag Girl" oil and acrylic on canvas, 24x24 inches

AG: What did it feel like when you sold your first piece and also had your first solo exhibition?

DAWN: When I sold my first art piece, I was honored that someone wanted to purchase my work and display it in their home.  When I had my first solo show I was excited and nervous. It was a great turn out and I had an opportunity to get feedback from patrons and hear what kind of conversation my work could
spark.

AG: What art era do you draw your inspiration from?

DAWN: I draw inspiration from today-- the era we live in now.  I my art concepts are about issues that I face or issues that other people face.

AG: You started off drawing and now painting, which do you prefer and why?

DAWN: I don't really have a preference when it comes to drawing or painting.  I use which ever medium that
visually expresses my idea.  More often, painting has been the most appropriate for me because I can get more vivid, but I do enjoy other mediums such as drawing and photography.

AG: A fellow artist who inspires you is?

DAWN: David LaChapelle.

AG: I’ve learned a lot from…

DAWN: I learn a lot from trial and error.

AG: Three facts we never knew about you?

DAWN: -I enjoy walking around the hardware store, and thinking about how I could incorporate some of the
hardware to create my artwork.
-I am learning how to skateboard.
-I have two pet cats.

AG: Is it important for artists to be on the web, any downsides?

DAWN: It is not essential to have one's art on the web, but it doesn't hurt.  I can't really think of any downsides.

AG:  What is the best advice you ever received and who was it from?

DAWN: One of the best bits of advice I received was to not get stuck on one idea and to experiment using the resources that I do have.  That advice was from artist Lauren Kelley

AG: Thank you

Follow Dawn Okoro on:

Twitter: @dawnokoro
Website: www.dawnokoro.com
Blog: www.dawnokoro.blogspot.com