RW: How long have you been painting portraits on mirrors?
.
I’ve been painting portraits for about 40 years. I started painting on mirrors approximately 10 years ago. I first got the idea while working a dead-end job; I prayed and I asked the Lord to give me something that would separate me from just being an everyday “t-shirt artist” ‘cause it seemed seasonal and limited.
.
And then one’s casual appreciation turned into a request for my one-of a kind signature portrait on mirrors, and I’ve been doing it ever since. My customers were my walking, talking billboards and I got a lot of great feedback from those who saw my finished portraits, and more and more requests came in.
And then one’s casual appreciation turned into a request for my one-of a kind signature portrait on mirrors, and I’ve been doing it ever since. My customers were my walking, talking billboards and I got a lot of great feedback from those who saw my finished portraits, and more and more requests came in.
.
RW: You’ve worked with an extensive amount of Who have you worked with, as far as celebrities?
.
As far as celebrities who own my portraits: Martin Lawrence, Erykah Badu, Jamie Foxx, Lil Wayne, K-Ci and JoJo, Keyshia Cole, Kandi Burruss, Chris Gardner [Gardner's book of memoirs, The Pursuit of Happyness, was published in May 2006 and he later became an associate producer of the major motion picture starring Will Smith]. I’ve also worked with Anthony Hamilton, singer Jaheim Hoagland, Steve Harvey’s nephew, Cuba Gooding Sr, comeidan/actor Laura Hayes, comedian/actor Michael Coylar, and Katt Williams.
As far as celebrities who own my portraits: Martin Lawrence, Erykah Badu, Jamie Foxx, Lil Wayne, K-Ci and JoJo, Keyshia Cole, Kandi Burruss, Chris Gardner [Gardner's book of memoirs, The Pursuit of Happyness, was published in May 2006 and he later became an associate producer of the major motion picture starring Will Smith]. I’ve also worked with Anthony Hamilton, singer Jaheim Hoagland, Steve Harvey’s nephew, Cuba Gooding Sr, comeidan/actor Laura Hayes, comedian/actor Michael Coylar, and Katt Williams.
.
Most recently I have had the privilege of working with Phaedra Parks of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. That is very exciting to me because I am a huge fan of the show! I did a piece for Phaedra which will be featured on an episode of the show.
Most recently I have had the privilege of working with Phaedra Parks of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. That is very exciting to me because I am a huge fan of the show! I did a piece for Phaedra which will be featured on an episode of the show.
.
RW: Of all those names, who gave you the best reaction when you handed them their portrait?
.
I have to say comedian Micheal Coylar gave the best reaction. He said, “Before I say anything, let me first say ‘thank you’!” He kepts saying, “Wow!” repeatedly and told me he thought that the portrait was, “Spectacular, so far beyond beautiful.” That really meant a lot to me. He referred to me as “an artist of the highest degree” and kept reiterating that he was really blown away by it, that it was “magical.” And Katt Williams said, “I am looking at me, looking at me!” [Laughs]
I have to say comedian Micheal Coylar gave the best reaction. He said, “Before I say anything, let me first say ‘thank you’!” He kepts saying, “Wow!” repeatedly and told me he thought that the portrait was, “Spectacular, so far beyond beautiful.” That really meant a lot to me. He referred to me as “an artist of the highest degree” and kept reiterating that he was really blown away by it, that it was “magical.” And Katt Williams said, “I am looking at me, looking at me!” [Laughs]
.
RW: What was the most exciting portrait you’ve painted?
.
My favorite has to be the portrait that I painted of the late, great rapper, Pimp C. I added diamonds, and faux fur on the mirror for his hat and coat — he looked so real!
My favorite has to be the portrait that I painted of the late, great rapper, Pimp C. I added diamonds, and faux fur on the mirror for his hat and coat — he looked so real!
.
RW: Who is someone you’ve always wanted to paint?
.
Well, there are several people I’d be honored to paint. Martin Larwrence would be one, Martin Luther King Jr., Donny Hathaway, and Marvin Gaye. The list goes on…
Well, there are several people I’d be honored to paint. Martin Larwrence would be one, Martin Luther King Jr., Donny Hathaway, and Marvin Gaye. The list goes on…
.
RW: You mentioned that your work will be shown on an upcoming episode of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”. I know that you can’t give away any details of the show at this point, but what can you tell us about that exciting experience?
.
I really appreciated working and building a friendly business relationship with Phaedra Parks and her mother. They showed me so much love and belief in my talent, telling me that they were happy to be a vehicle to showcase my work through the Bravo show. They referred to me as a “best kept secret” and said that my work looks like “the handy work of the Lord.” [Laughs]
.
RW: Speaking of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”, what do you think of the newest lady to grace the screen, former convicted felon Marlo Hampton?
.
I have never been one to knock another person’s hustle, especially another woman. I think that we should support each other. I think it’s enough for us all not to put each other down or to be envious of each other, etc. That’s the example that I think Whitney Houston set. She was always so supportive of fellow singers and up-and-coming artists. It was never jealousy or competition, it was just all about the music to her.
I have never been one to knock another person’s hustle, especially another woman. I think that we should support each other. I think it’s enough for us all not to put each other down or to be envious of each other, etc. That’s the example that I think Whitney Houston set. She was always so supportive of fellow singers and up-and-coming artists. It was never jealousy or competition, it was just all about the music to her.
.
I don’t want to waste time looking around at the competition. I want everyone to be successful.
I don’t want to waste time looking around at the competition. I want everyone to be successful.
.
RW: Do you have any other plans with any of the Housewives?
.
Phaedra Parks and I have been discussing going into a business venture together involving her new funeral home business. More to come on that.
Phaedra Parks and I have been discussing going into a business venture together involving her new funeral home business. More to come on that.
.
RW: Do you have a website?
.
RW: Any final thoughts?
.
I’ve realized that I have a God-given talent and I am thankful that I am able to be a blessing to people, especially those who have lost a loved one. Often times, they are overwhelmed and they cry, and they say I’ve given them a piece of their loved ones to cherish forever. I am honored to be able to do that. To offer a little bit of happiness in a tragic situation. That ignites my passion, and is the reason why I do what I do. Once I had a person almost faint when I showed her a painting that I had done of her deceased mother. This lady was elderly, and she told me in all the 70 years that she has lived, that painting of her mother was the best gift she had ever received! That lets me know that I have done my best and that I was truly a blessing to someone.
I’ve realized that I have a God-given talent and I am thankful that I am able to be a blessing to people, especially those who have lost a loved one. Often times, they are overwhelmed and they cry, and they say I’ve given them a piece of their loved ones to cherish forever. I am honored to be able to do that. To offer a little bit of happiness in a tragic situation. That ignites my passion, and is the reason why I do what I do. Once I had a person almost faint when I showed her a painting that I had done of her deceased mother. This lady was elderly, and she told me in all the 70 years that she has lived, that painting of her mother was the best gift she had ever received! That lets me know that I have done my best and that I was truly a blessing to someone.
.
I am also anxious for the day that I can help my mother retire and be in a position to offer employment to those who are unemployed. I’m looking forward to the future and excited about all of the great things that are happening in my life.
I am also anxious for the day that I can help my mother retire and be in a position to offer employment to those who are unemployed. I’m looking forward to the future and excited about all of the great things that are happening in my life.
.
For more info on this artist, please visit her website: www.lifelikeart.biz. Interview by Raina Webber.
