Kuumba Suras/The Figures of Africa
1992
Afrika Abney
The question of hobbies often leads to a deeper exploration of one's passions and career paths. For me, my interests in art seamlessly transitioned into a professional journey when I embarked on my career as a professional visual artist and art consultant in 1992. This pivotal year marked a significant turning point in my life, as I was not only honing my skills but also actively participating in the Congressional Art Competition (1992 - 1993) while still a high school student at Bell Multicultural High School (now called the Columbia Heights Education Campus). This experience provided me with invaluable exposure and recognition, further fueling my dedication to visual arts.
Throughout my artistic journey, I have engaged in a diverse range of creative expressions, including printmaking, abstract painting, and illustration. Each of these mediums has allowed me to explore different facets of my artistic identity and communicate my ideas in unique ways. Printmaking, for instance, has offered me the opportunity to experiment with textures and layering, while abstract painting has enabled me to convey emotions and concepts through color and form. Illustrations, on the other hand, have allowed me to tell stories visually, bridging the gap between art and narrative.
The evolution of my hobbies into a professional career has been both fulfilling and transformative.