MyLin Stokes-Kennedy

Artist Biography:

MyLin is an abstract expressionist and paint instructor currently based in Orange County, California. It was not until it was introduced as her junior year elective course at Hampton University, that art, and moreover painting, had become the passion of her life. After years of prioritizing her psychology and education degrees, growing her family and learning her way in the world, MyLin was finally able to pursue her art full time in 2020, realizing that front of a blank canvas is where she finds a world of opportunities.

With acrylic as her medium of choice, MyLin best represents herself experimenting with her palette knife and brushwork techniques. She looks to create broad abstract work with long strokes, bold colors and rich texture, always finding a way to intentionally communicate her interpretation of nature, Black culture and the psychology of humanity.

Currently, MyLin owns Stokes Kennedy Art Studio where she focuses on creating custom art and hosting art experiences that encourage the community to support creativity. When she is not painting in her home studio, she is raising two boys, Kameron and Lennox, with her wife Lindsay. THE ARTIST PRACTICE

At the start of my relationship with art, learning the fundamentals and building a foundation, my interest sparked from mixing beautiful hues together almost effortlessly. I recently noticed that so much of my early work was experimental, geometric and bursting with colors - mostly assignments that turned prized possessions. As time went on and I began to develop a voice in the strokes, I realized some of those harsh lines stayed while others faded away and some of the colors remained while others muted. Life for me was rearranging the work and leaning more into my craft, especially during the most supported moments of my life. New collections and series pour out of me at the helm of my marriage and even now as we bring another baby into this world. I realized that in those moments of support, when other weights are lifted, you can feel free enough to find inspiration in the world around you.

Currently, my art reflects the things I'm motivated and inspired by, including the shape and essence of my wife, the bold beauty of the sunset, and the depth of the mind and soul. If I always work to curate a life that surrounds me with the inspiration that feeds me, I know my art will always be at it’s best because it’s true and authentic.

THE STUDIO PRACTICE

I don't have an entire room dedicated to artmaking yet, as space is limited living with my wife, 2 sons, and puppy. However, a lack of space has never stopped me before so I make do with what I have - a quaint little patio where my easel, small table, and art cart are set up. This is where I paint larger pieces and get to enjoy fresh air. I store my paint in the closet nearby so it's pretty convenient for me. My wife also arranged our dining room to be an indoor studio so I can work on my smaller pieces inside.

As a stay-at-home mother with a 1 year old, I have found it very important to set the vibe and intention before I paint. When my son is awake and teething, he often wants to be held so he's my partner in crime while I paint during the day. Once the baby arm-to-crib transition is complete, I light a little lemongrass incense and sage the area to clear off any annoyance, distractions, and bacteria. This is a must in order to center myself especially at night when I paint by myself to make the most of each moment he is sleeping. I meditate by reminding myself who I am, what I like about myself, and what I want to say. I then set up my work area, select my tools and color palette, and focus on creating one layer at a time.

My artist mantra: "I am where I need to be and I am who I need to be in this very moment. The answers I am looking for are already within." - Sol Affirmations by Karega & Felicia Bailey