Creatives Making Moves: Episode 33

Creatives Making Moves podcast spotlights passionate black women artists and creatives who are making bold moves as entrepreneurs.

August 19, 2021 by Victoria

#33: Nature as Art Inspiration

Meet Chicago-based artist Abena Motaboli, whose creativity spans performance, painting, installations, and cultural work. Influenced by her South African and Ghanaian cultures, she uses materials from the earth like dirt, flowers, and tea to comment on displacement and past memories. She believes in using what you have to do whatever you want with your artwork. Abena has worked as an art facilitator with the Chicago Park District, Marwen Arts, the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, and community gardens. In this episode learn how to find what brings you joy, and ways to feel ignited and inspired to do your creative work.

Highlights from this episode:

3:43 - The moment Abena knew that she wanted to be an artist and how she get started.

9:50 - The significance of the materials (flowers, tea, twigs, plants) Abena uses in her artwork.

12:23 - The common thread found in all of Abena’s work.

14:22 - How Abena balances wellness and maintaining her art practice.

16:05 - The moments Abena feels the most creative.

25:00 - Abena’s words of wisdom for an artist starting out to discover their purpose.

Connect with Abena:

Website: www.abenaart.com

Etsy: JoyousByAbenaart

Instagram: @abenaart

Twitter: @abenaart_writer