On DC Public Schools

I attended a DC Public School from 1991 - 1993 and graduated from the school when I was 16 which was in 1993.

I attended Bell from 1991-1993. I graduated in 1993 and was 16 at that time. Years later, I donated the painting shown in the above photo. Additionally, I gave away the clothing articles and jewelry shown in the photo above.

Additionally, I provided many services for several DC Public Schools. Among them include Calvin Coolidge High School and Eliot Middle School.

Pro Bono Experiences

Career Day Presentations

Washington, D.C.
Calvin Coolidge High School, 1996;

Eliot Middle School, 2016
Conducted career day presentations at several schools.

The significance of compassion and harmony

“Compassion can be represented through a vibrant spectrum of colors, each hue symbolizing different aspects of this profound human emotion.I specifically chose Magenta. Magenta, a color that pulsates with a vibrant energy, embodies the multifaceted nature of compassion. Its rich hue, a blend of red's passionate intensity and blue's calming serenity, perfectly encapsulates the delicate balance inherent in compassionate action. Magenta's association with harmony and cooperation speaks to the interconnectedness that compassion fosters, suggesting a world where individuals work together, understanding and respecting each other's needs. Furthermore, its link to creativity and innovation highlights the transformative power of compassion, inspiring us to find new solutions and approaches to alleviate suffering. This vibrant color reminds us that compassion is not merely a passive emotion, but an active force that drives us to be kind, to understand, and to build a more just ...

My Charter School Experiences

In 1992, I did not attend a charter school. I have had a wide range opportunities that took place at various schools. I have not provided any services for schools as a professional visual artist and art consultant for a while. Among them include when I served as a substitute teacher for Mundo Verde PCS in 2013, I can recall working with some of the students and staff and sharing my passion and extensive background in visual arts. Additionally, I can recall when I served as a substitute teacher for DC International School. I knew a little bit of Spanish, but as a professional visual artist, I really enjoyed sharing my love and extensive background in visual arts with the students and some of the staff members at DC International from 2016-2017. Also when I served as an art elective Summer Camp teacher for Higher Achievement in 2013, the program took place at Center City Capitol Hill Campus. Providing each of these services in the past were a great opportunity for me. However, sin...

Embrace of Kindness

“The gentle hue of soft solid pink radiates an inviting warmth that embodies compassion and tranquility. This soothing color transcends mere aesthetics, reaching into the emotional landscape and stirring feelings of safety and belonging. It evokes the essence of intimate conversations where vulnerability is embraced, allowing words to flow effortlessly and connections to deepen. Such moments leave an enduring sense of fulfillment, a comforting reminder of the bonds we share with others, long after the dialogue has ended. Compassion, at its core, is the conscious choice to acknowledge the shared humanity in those around us, responding to their challenges with genuine kindness and empathy. This commitment to understanding and supporting one another is essential in fostering a nurturing environment. To cultivate a state of tranquility, individuals often engage in practices that nourish both the mind and spirit. Mindfulness and meditation are pivotal in this pursuit, offering pathway...

Radiant Ethics

Radiant Ethics. Digital art created on canvas. August 16, 2024. Afrika Abney Radiant Ethics is a conceptual digital artwork that emphasizes the principles of professional behavior. This piece captures the essence of ethical standards in a visually striking manner, using vibrant colors and abstract forms to convey the importance of integrity and responsibility in a professional setting.

Radiant Artistry Brush

Radiant Artistry Brush. Digital art created on canvas. September 8, 2024. Afrika Abney I began by selecting a salmon pink hue to serve as the foundational background for my artwork. This choice of color provided a warm and inviting atmosphere, setting the stage for the subsequent layers of paint. The soft, pastel quality of the salmon pink created a gentle contrast that would enhance the vibrancy of the colors to be applied later. Once the background was established, I proceeded to introduce a bright yellow paint using my digital brush. This step involved carefully layering the yellow over the salmon pink, allowing the two colors to interact harmoniously. The digital brush enabled me to achieve a smooth application, ensuring that the yellow not only stood out but also complemented the underlying pink, creating a visually appealing blend.

Purple Muse

“Purple Muse draws on the creative essence of purple.The color purple is often associated with creativity, representing a blend of the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy of red. This unique combination evokes a sense of imagination and innovation.Purple encourages original thought and inspires individuals to explore new ideas, pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking. Its rich and vibrant hue can stimulate the mind, fostering an environment where creativity can flourish and thrive.”

The Artist

The artist #1. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney. August 8, 2021 I need art as much as I need air. I turn blank canvases into artistic abstract masterpieces. I tend to see the beauty in life and in the good and bad and broken. I am deeply thoughtful and it draws people to me, and I see the world in creative and unique ways. Since I was 5, which was in 1981, I have been an artist. When I was 12, which was in 1988, I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said that I wanted to be an artist. The artist #2. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney. August 8, 2021 The artist #3. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney. August 8, 2021 Dynamic and self-motivated artist with expertise in creating original artwork using various techniques, materials, and media, including acrylic paint. Proficient in designing and executing visually compelling pieces, with a strong understanding of the properties of acrylics—such as their fast-drying capabilities and water-r...

Importance of quality in art creation

Creative and discerning artist, Ms. Afrika Abney, is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in her work, exemplified by her recent decision to discard numerous abstract collages and paintings that did not meet her high standards. By sharing her discarded pieces, she aims to highlight the importance of quality in art creation and the varying effects of different materials on artistic outcomes. Ms. Abney’s commitment to curating her collection reflects her passion for artistic integrity and her desire to educate others on the complexities of the creative process. “Quality in art is an ultimate truth expressed through an individual's unique experience of existence. Its success in expression and transmission lies in its potential to communicate more than its surface values. In a successful piece of art, the visual features are most important: line quality, color, composition, and other artistic elements and principles.” Producing finger paintings using acrylic paint, one must ensure th...

Soothing Seafoam

“The term "Soothing Seafoam" effectively highlights the serene qualities of the seafoam hue, drawing attention to its tranquil nature, which makes it an ideal choice for promoting relaxation. This name not only reflects the color itself but also suggests a sense of calmness and comfort. In the realm of color psychology, seafoam green is recognized as a gentle and muted tone that fosters a sense of serenity and tranquility. This color is often linked to the ocean, where its delicate blend of green and blue shades mirrors the gentle undulations of waves and the frothy bubbles that form along the shore. The calming effect of seafoam green is further enhanced by its ability to combine the peacefulness of blue with the vitality and renewal associated with green, creating a harmonious balance that promotes relaxation.”

Life in Black and White through the lens of the artist

Life in Black and White through the lens of the artist captures abstract paintings using black and white paint on paper to resemble how society, community and world divides human beings based on race and excludes them from activities. If we want racism and discrimination to end, we must stop segregating and racial inequity. I have created several paintings using only black and white colors to express how I have been impacted by racial profiling. When I mix both colors together, they make the color gray. "Black isn't a primary, secondary, or tertiary color. In fact, black isn't on the color wheel because it isn't considered a color. It's all colors. Or rather, the absorption of all colors. Black absorbs all light in the color spectrum." "White is clean, simple, and pure. It stands in stark opposition to black, and its meanings are unequivocal. As white light contains all the colors of the spectrum, it’s an inclusive, impartial color, favoring no single ...

Ms. Afrika Abney, Professional Visual Artist and Art Consultant- Branding Blog

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