I am art.

I chose Mickalene Thomas to inspire my selfie, because her story resonates with me as a young creative. She started out studying law before she realized that her calling was to be an artist. Her ambition to keep creating despite the opinion of others is inspiring and I admire the fact that she takes pride in her individuality as well as her artwork. Thomas often emphasizes the importance of black femininity being shown in the media which is why she chooses to create art imitating black women. In interviews, she has a warm inviting personality and it is evident that she is passionate about her artwork

Thomas is a New York based artist who is known for using rhinestones in her artwork. This has become her trademark over the years. Not only does she create paintings, but she also incorporates her artwork in photography and videos. She has made a huge contribution to positive representation of black women in pop culture.

Today, she lives and works in her studio located in Brooklyn, New York where she has a collection of her famous pieces as well as millions of rhinestones and bottles of acrylic paint. Throughout her career, she has received a B.F.A. from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY an M.F.A. from Yale University School of Art, New Haven, CT. She’s also won multiple awards for her artwork including the Timerhi Award for Leadership in the Arts in 2010 and the Brooklyn Museum Asher B. Durand Awardin 2012. Mickalene Thomas is a great example of a successful black woman who is able to profit from her creativity and overall talent.