Interview with Carla Denise Byrd

What would you tell artists who feel like they have to create art in a specific style to be successful?

I feel it’s super important to always remain authentic to yourself. If you are a true creative then you do what you’re here to do, which is to create! Things may take longer but you can create anything, including other avenues where your genuine self can blossom. 

But ultimately, creativity is an abundant resource. So if you feel you have to create a specific art style to be successful, I believe there is a world for that too with a spot just for you. And that’s OK. Everybody plays their part. Just remember to include you in that specific style. Authenticity always speaks louder.

What made you take the leap to build a creative brand?

Many moons ago while living in DC, I created a quick painting for my wall that ended up being a conversation piece for all who came through. Around this time, I started looking towards my childhood in a search to find my purpose. I’m pretty spiritual and was divinely guided back home to art. In order to make it happen, I knew I needed and wanted to build a creative brand.

How do you work and how has your practice changed over time?

I can work sporadically, at times. I may start creating something and jump around to different areas of the painting with no real order to it. Or I may not be feeling it, lose interest, start a new painting, and then return to working on the original piece months later after a renewed sense of inspiration. My creative moods can fluctuate. 

However, I have grown a lot over the past 10 years or so. Sometimes I look at my older work and cringe. The foundation is still the same but my painting style has become much more focused and refined.

Carla Denise Byrd, Beyond Blessed, 2021, Acrylic andGold Leaf on Canvas

How do you define success as an artist? What do you wish to accomplish?

Success for me is very much about having personal freedom and living with a sense of abundance while doing what you love. Being happy. It’s not only receiving blessings but being able to be blessings through art. 

I strive to connect with others and reflect who we really are, to help people transform, to see the beauty in themselves and in the world around them. I wish to provide other artists with opportunities through my continued curatorial creative events.

What does being a Black artist mean to you?

For me, being a Black artist means to exist. It’s who we naturally are. We are not only creations of art but creators. We embody art, always have. We are dynamic, we’re not supposed to be boxed in. We are limitless. I love when we break out of boxes, especially the self-imposed ones. 

As Black artists, if we have any responsibility, it should be to help others tap into our creative power, our true interconnectedness with divinity. I’m an extension of that. A reflection.

How did you learn the skills to create? Did you take art classes or are you self-taught?

Art has always been second nature to me. I was basically born an artist. My mom likes to tell the story about how she noticed I could draw really well at the age of two. 

Though I studied graphic design, I consider myself a self-taught visual artist. So, I don’t necessarily restrict myself to any set art techniques and rules, which may or may not be a good thing. My creative skills pretty much come from years of practice.

Carla Denise Byrd, 2020 Vision, 2021, Acrylic and Gold Leaf on Canvas

In your journey as an artist, what has been the most unexpected experience, realization, or challenge?

I can be my own worst critic and sometimes I can take my art way too seriously. It can be a challenge for me to go with the flow and not overthink. 

Art has given me the realization that there is no real destination. In a way, I used to think I would eventually get to a certain level of skill and it would be smooth from there. Only to eventually realize that to be an artist is to be on a lifelong journey of learning. It’s like life school. Art is constantly teaching and sometimes even revealing aspects of yourself.

What is your biggest barrier to being an artist? How do you address it?

I’m shy and introverted. I think most artists probably are or have been. While this definitely helps me create, it can be challenging to share my creative world. It takes a level of vulnerability to make it out here as an artist. Communicating through pictures is second nature but translating pictures to words for those who need it for understanding and connection? Not always easy.

I try to put myself in positions that pull me out of my comfort zone as much as possible, forcing me to become more practiced and polished. I’m still a work in progress and have a ways to go.

Is there anything missing within our Black art communities?

Even though this definitely is not something missing, I do wish to see more positivity in the Black art community. I’m all for balance and I believe there’s a time for dark and light. However, now many artists in the Black art community get caught up purposely creating low vibrational art. It attracts because the majority of the masses are on that vibration. I would just love to see more of a higher vibrational frequency within our community. More ascension, less art world trolling.