@amariginal_art_

I started frequenting Open Mic Nights to recite my poems as a “Spoken Word Artist” in performance art. I decided that the moniker I would use would be Amariginal. Fast-forward. The name of my company is attributed to my artist evolution encompassing love, originality and organic creativity.

What is the message you are aiming to express with your art?

“We are, who we have ALWAYS been.”

Other than art what else cap\ tures your attention/interests, is it a special cause or another form of creativity? Or something else altogether?

Black history is vast, the bits we were taught in school, barley scratch the surface. In your opinion, What’s a moment in black history that empowers and encourages you to continue to strive for black excellence?

I enjoy WORLD HISTORY and within that wider scope I am able to identify with what it means to be be a melanoid being on any continent. The black indigenous being is a global presence with very deep histories and multiple cultures. Being born in North America really is only one aspect of identity and/or ancestry. I connect to things much wider and bigger. The black origin story is more intricate because ancestors were exploring everywhere and creating everything. There’s limitlessness in knowing.

I’d like to work more in clay in the studio. I also want to produce more public art murals and installations. I’m interested in how technology expands artist’s creative expression.

What is your mantra for 2023?

Lean into your season of uncertainty.

What advice would you give to a new artist based on your own personal experiences?

“The Creative Artist is the Child who survived Adulthood.” Don’t listen to your inner critic. Ignore naysayers--only you have the vision for the things you want to create. Nurture your positive inner voice that tells you why you desire to create.

Have you had any creative breakthroughs lately?

I work on multiple projects all the time--there’s always a breakthrough. I am currently experimenting with painting using Watercolor, Gouache, Ink and Graphite on paper. These are totally different mediums than what I’m used to and what I have greater skill in. It’s just about learning new mediums and materials--how it fits into my creative toolkit. I’m learning that watercolors have an elegance that’s about controlled application. I’m starting to respect the medium. Gouache moves different too

What has been your proudest moment as an artist?

My proudest moment being an artist is still yet to come. I have had moments of extreme excitement in my career with solo shows and various projects. However, I think the thing that I’m happiest about is formalizing my studio practice into an arts business with getting my business license. Forming Amariginal Art was really a big step for me. It’s nothing like having a dream of success, forming a business, working to watch it grow and move towards self-sufficiency. It takes on a life of its own.

What key lessons did you learn last year that you’ve implemented this year in 2023?

I learned to really trust in my ideas, decisions, and visions. A plan was given to me and me alone to achieve. And, to seek outside approval might be inviting invalidation, disappointment, detriment or negativity. People can’t always see where I’m going, how I’m going to get there or grasp concepts but that’s because it was never that other person’s dream to begin with. It’s not for that person to understand.

Anything else you would like to add?

Amariginal Art has artwork available in the online store at Sacramento.Shop. I have a continued collaboration with Arthouse AirBnB. Currently during the month of February I have artwork included in a group art show with Gallery 1075 at the West Sacramento Community Center. I am available to accept commissioned projects and public art murals. Follow me @amariginal_art_ on Instagram and Facebook. New developments are happening all the time. There’s more adventures to come.

Connecting with nature as Delgreta proudly shows her piece “One With All” Photo Credit: Eddie Walker

2023

One With All: Soultree is a surreal Afrofuturism portrait focusing on the elements and sacred bodies: celestials, water and Earth. The painting connects to themes of legacy, matriarchy, serenity, humanity and the wisdom of trees. The work of art also hints at the reverence of Black hair and the tradition of adorning one’s own natural crown. The work underscores the themes of transition, expansion and illumination by using ethereal butterflies, dazzling stars and golden fireflies.

Black History Month | 23