I purchased one of her prints (there was a snapshot of it in
last Tuesday’s blog post) and snagged one of her cute perfectly square business
cards. I sent an email and in a matter
of days we were sitting by the window at Starbucks in Rittenhouse talking about
natural hair, how her mother would describe her as “snappy” in one word, and
how she didn’t start out as a graphic design major. Below are a few other things I got to phind
out about this week’s creative independent, Brandi Goldsborough.
Phreedum: When
did you first fall in love with art?
BG: At a pretty
young age. My mom is a seamstress so when I was little I started sewing. I had
a mini sewing machine. My mom also sent me to art camp which I really liked. In
middle school I kinda shied away from all things art. I don't really no why, but I did. I still liked it but just
didn’t do as many artsy things. Then, in high school, painting brought my heart
back. Painting eventually morphed into graphic design.
Phreedum: So, as
a woman of many talents and artistic interests, what exactly is your degree in
from Moore?
BG: My degree is
in graphic design. But, you’re right. I really enjoy art in its various forms.
Right now I am learning about the screen printing process. I’m determined to
conquer screen printing this summer.
As I’m writing Brandi’s response I hear someone say “Hey.”.
I turn around and it’s a friend of Brandi’s. Brandi’ shares she is in an interview
and her friend becomes embarrassingly apologetic. To which I tell her “It’s
cool, no worries.” The young lady says “I just thought you guys were friends.”
And I think to myself, Brandi is cool enough, we definitely could be. Her
friend takes her iced drink and leaves and heads in the direction of the art institute
which begs me to ask the following.
Phreedum: Why
Moore College of Art for Women and not the Art Institute?
BG: Actually, I
started as chemistry major at a school in Connecticut. However, I was pretty miserable there. I
really missed art as a full time thing and not something to do if I finished studying chemistry. I decided art is what I wanted to go to school for. In my
process of finding a school I did visit the Art Institute. I just found Moore
to not only be great in terms of the art I wanted to create, but very
empowering for women. Not that you can’t be empowered at the Art Institute, but
as a woman, going to a college for women, it was particularly empowering.
Phreedum: What
has been a highlight for you so far as a creative independent?
BG: Just meeting
different people and learning about the different aspects of design. I really
enjoy learning. When I meet people ad just see their style and what they are
really into its inspiring. I’m always reminded that no two people are exactly
the same just like no two artistic processes are exactly the same.
Phreedum: I met
you when viewing your Going Natural collection. What has been your greatest piece or
collection so far and what was the process for creating it?
BG: I think my
favorite collection is the Going Natural collection. It started as a class project. We were asked
to pretty much create anything we wanted based upon something we wanted. So,
yeah, not very specific. In thinking
about the project I wanted something different yet reflective of me. I thought about when I first started to grow
my hair out and go natural. During the process I came across a lot of various terms. I
decided to create a book of the more interesting terms and illustrate them. The
collection (the prints at the showcase and the print I purchased) was really an
expansion of the book.
Phreedum: What
would you consider one of your greatest resources?
BG: I’d say people. I am really observant and so
I like to people watch and be social. The energy gives me inspiration for my
work or engages my curiosity enough to try something new.
Phreedum: What is
one of the biggest sacrifices you have had to make?
BG: Steady income and abundance of job opportunities. Granted I know the market is
tough for everyone. However, steady work in this field is not easy to come by.
You work really hard to maintain what you need to be a creative person, but
also to do what you need so you can live.
Phreedum: What is
some helpful advice that you carry with you?
BG: Don’t be
afraid to start over COMPLETELY.
Sometimes you have to scratch everything. No saving a little bit or
starting from point c, start completely anew. Also, read and research. There
are tons to learn. Oh, and try, even if you fail.
Phreedum: How
does your art change the lives of others?
BG: At the
showcase I had a guest book. Various people just shared how informative the
project was. One person wrote “My big Black nappy headed ass loves this book.”
A couple of my aunts have actually started their journey to natural hair and
we’ve had some really good conversations just about hair and culture. I guess I would say that at least with the
Going Natural collection I’ve helped people have a sense of pride in who they
are and for others just providing
opportunities for meaningful conversation.
Phreedum: What
don’t people get about being an artist?
BG: That we
actually do care about things like a steady income. We aren’t these absent minded super ideal
people; we just tend to forego what most would consider practical in order to
pour our hearts into something we love.
Phreedum: Where
can we hope to see you in 5 years?
BG: If I’m not
working for an awesome design firm, you will see me and my friends having
started an awesome design firm. We have been talking about it more frequently
recently.
Phreedum: Will we
see you in Philly?
BG: Maybe. But I
have a soft spot for Brooklyn, especially Dumbo. Or Europe. I’ve never been but
I want to travel.
2 comments:
GREAT INTERVIEW!! I LOVE HER WORK
GREAT COMMENT! I LOVE HER WORK
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