Meet Shakeelah Muhammad Artist
Hi Shakeelah! We’re so excited we get to introduce you to our audience. Introduce yourself!
My name is Shakeelah Muhammad and I am a multidisciplinary artist activist / poet. I would even call myself a Renaissance woman .
So, let’s start from the beginning. Where are you originally from and what were your interests as a child? Did those interests lead you to what you do today?
I am originally from Columbus, Georgia, born and raised. I grew up in a large family having three sisters which I had to share everything with. I began to cling to things I didn't necessarily have to share nor control, thus I began to bond with nature. It's a bond I still cherish from my youth as I'm making my way through the reality of adulthood.
What or who inspired you to pursue this path?
God himself, even as a child I was good at anything I could physically get my hands on. My mind works like that , I move before I am even fully aware of what I am doing. That impulsiveness I believe was learned from my father. I would have to say seeing him chase his dreams with as much passion as he had regardless of the circumstances he chose to try. That is commendable. I do what I do for my people, but most importantly for my ancestors. My work tells the true stories of black people in America and other actors so that we build and uplift one another.
What are your goals for your business/organization/artistry/self?
Ever since I was a child, I wanted to own my own art space. Over the years, I’ve been envisioning a museum called ‘Museum Maryam’, a safe haven rehabilitation center focused on using art therapy. Using art therapy to heal those who suffer from any kind of pain, trauma, homelessness, mental illness or addiction. Philanthropy has always been near and dear to my heart. I want to help rebuild communities and neighborhoods we can be safe in and proud of. I also plan to work on murals and a memorial for the 28 victims of the Atlanta Child Murders. During quarantine, I started a collection of portraits of martyrs whose lives were lost as small tokens of condolences for the families. It sparked a hunger to give back to those who have lost loved ones especially children and yet have received no justice.
What are some of the challenges you’ve had to overcome in pursuit of this path?
The biggest challenge I think we all ultimately face is choice. That's our only true action of freedom and it comes at a heavy price to man, but never to God. So, beyond my own wants and wishes I've learned that a million things will intrigue and interest me but all I ever really needed was inside of me. When you focus on yourself, you discipline your awareness of the outcomes of your choices only. Anybody can be taught how to paint like a master, but a true master is able to speak, express, comment, react, and depict in a way that allows others to see themselves, hear themselves, and feel themselves clearly. That's what art is really about, not just something pretty.
Who are your top influences today?
While I am a painter, I mostly work with mixed media. The diverse use of materials act as metaphors for extreme dynamics of America. After taking a photography class, I fell in love with the works of Carrie Mae Weems, James Baldwin and Deana Lawson. I draw most of my figures from these works as a catalyst for sarcasm and imbedding underlying messages. Drawing context from what I’ve been taught as “history”, I reconstruct the perspective in a way that triggers self-evaluation. In a world where there are more consumers than producers, I try to put the “American Dream” into a new prospect.
What does your support system look like? Who do you turn to when you need motivation or reassurance?
My #1 supporters have been complete strangers. I think it is easy for us to take things and people for granted as if they aren’t all gifts not promised forever. So, I had to learn to support myself from an early age and it can be difficult especially as a child having your heart set on something and then being let down… not because you weren’t capable but rather not allowed. I don’t think we need permission to be ourselves. We ultimately don’t have a choice because things fill up time but never the heart space. I think when properly educated, a lot of people will and have found value in art. It really sets the tone and changes the vibe and mood in a space. Lucky for my supporters, I always, no matter how much you spend, include handwritten handmade notes & gifts to show just how much I appreciate any kind of engagement or acknowledgment of my work. It’s the gas that keeps me going. If I didn’t keep and affirm all the kind and constructive comments, I wouldn't have the courage and confidence to do what I do how I do it.
What would you say is your Magnum Opus? (Your best piece of work to date)
My best piece is my most painful creation called Loverboy Narc Edition. It was a love token, a self-portrait of a narcissist I fell for. It was a collaboration that turned bad. Then, like most of my work, I took it and cut it up and collaged over the original collaborated piece. The portrait is heavily embellished with beads and gems symbolic of the charade we put on to mask what is underneath, the ugly truth. Loverboy is green because of his love for green and selfishness. He carries a belt of bullets on his chest, each dripping blood of his victims. After the woman has fallen, he shoots her and collects the bullets from her heart as a keepsake and a reminder. In the background is a portrayal of his loss of virginity and innocence in which he abuses for self-worth and power.
Can you see yourself doing this for the rest of your life or do you think you’ll eventually branch out into other endeavors?
Before I was a painter, I was a writer. Being able to speak to yourself about the past, present and future is detrimental to growth. I’m currently working on a children's book as well as a novel to challenge myself and it’s making me a better artist. Art is my love, and I will do it as long as I’m able, but philanthropy is my purpose. I want to be able to teach not only art but expression and purpose. I think that’s what people need today. Not to mention music, my first love. Nothing is done without music or me singing so I plan to start making healing and motivational music that promotes spiritual growth and awakening. Lastly, I want to create affordable images that will be within the household of anyone who sees value in my work. Being in homes is just as important as galleries and museums.
If you could leave the world with one last thought, what would it be?
Be yourself and listen to your heart. Know that you’re not the only one lost, scared and confused. We are all trying to find our way in this chaotic world. Instead of comparing ourselves and masking our true selves with things to seem more appealing, we should celebrate each other’s differences. Many of us are chasing the bag, fame and recognition for all the wrong reasons, then exhaust our confidence when things don’t work out quite how we thought. I dare you to believe in yourself, choose to step into your destiny rather than run from fear. Fear is fake and doesn’t exist until you lend it your face. I dare you to walk by faith and not by sight and watch God use you as a vessel to promote change. Promote love and never under any circumstance give up or in. Failure only occurs when you stop trying.
Is there anything else we should know? Any exciting upcoming plans or things to look out for?
I am constantly posting on my social media. Instagram is the best and most efficient method to reach me as well as my email. Commissions are always open and welcomed. Be on the lookout for the launch of my brand “Everybody Wanna Be a Black Woman” in May. It's more than a brand, it’s a statement of proclamation of and to black women in America to own the culture of which we've created from unimaginable pain and anger. In which many have stolen, copied, and capitalized from. I am super excited about this; it’s been in the works for a minute, and I can’t wait to share more!
How can people best support you?
The best way to support yourself is anyway your heart feels able. Rather it be a comment, share, like, follow, subscribe, or commission however it is equally welcomed, and I am always honored to meet, engage and educate and never hesitate to employ.
Facebook: Shakeelah Muhammad
Email: shakeelahmuhammmad@gmail.com
