Introducing the artist, Vickie Jones-Bell
I always had a passion for art and love having it surround me, which is inextricably linked with my love of interior and textile design. I imagine it's very similar to the succulent feeling of eating something you really enjoy or the stimulus kids feel in a candy or toy store. My creative spirit has always been captivated through magazines, books or doodling various images and designs. During the early stages of my art I interpreted various subject matters through a process of taping, stenciling, and splattering techniques of southwestern colors, abstract compositions and African motifs. As I became more comfortable with myself and personal experiences, the evolution of my work over forty some years evolved and the use of acrylic as a medium for my paintings. My subject matters also expanded into more figurative and recognizable images, infused with vibrant hues, geometric patterns, and intricate textile designs.
After obtaining an art education degree, I focused a lot of my creative efforts in teaching art and exhibiting my work in group art shows and galleries. Initially, I was not sure of the best way to define myself as a professional artist with a trademark style. For a long time I strived to create an unique style, that was reflective of my personality; African- American culture; love of interior design and textiles; and the inspirations of renowned artist I love like, Romare Bearden, James Denmark, April Harrison, and Rebecca Kinkead to name a few. As my artistic talent took on a life of it's own, my paintings became more expressive of who I am as a person of color, woman, significant other, mother, friend, and my desire to illustrate more positive images of our children and men.
My style of artwork currently is characterized as ethnic contemporary with four distinct design themes: Sista Girl, inspirations of women of color, divas and soul sisters, Qb Kids,(named after my daughter) images of the gifts and inspirations of children of color; Mocha Love, romantic expressions and overtures of sistas and brothas, and African Abstracts, compositions of abstract designs, infused with vibrant colors, geometric patterns, textures and recognizable images. Inspired by the subjects of my paintings has also influenced me to create various Functional Art products.
A lot of my artistic journeys and creative growth I contribute to my dearest artist friend and kindred spirit Gilda, may she continue to rest in peace. Even today I could hear her saying, "Always cherish your God-given talents and the long line of master craft folks you come from". Gilda and I both realized the need to expose more consumers to African- American art, and not seeing enough of those design influences in home furnishings, accessories, mugs, greeting cards, housewares, children/nursery rooms to name a few. Early in our careers we initiated a joint business venture entitled "Soko Ya Sanaa"(Art Market), a public art event that showcased our various art work, a limited edition of handcrafted items, and contemporary and ethnic accessories for the home.
Whether you are an emerging art collector, connoisseur, or a first time buyer, I am sure you will find that particular painting or functional art piece that speaks to your personality, enhance the aesthetic beauty of your space and transforms your environment into a culturally chic décor.
Thank you in advance for your visit.
Enjoy and please come again !