The “Artist of the week” segment serves subsequently to the “Photographer of the week series.” This series entails artists beyond the industry of photography and touches on multiple art forms to promote, inform and inspire SCAD students. This week Allen Jaion Powell, a fourth-year painting and fashion design student shares some insight into his talent and current projects.
When did you start your painting journey and what does painting mean to you?
I started my painting journey when I was about five years old, influenced by my mother, who is also an artist. She taught me everything I know today. Painting means everything to me because I feel like it’s a language created with your ideas and techniques to narrate a different story from the original.
Where do you attain your inspiration for your work?
One of the best ways to find inspiration as an artist is learning from other artists and their theories; the more I paint, I develop my skills and techniques.
What is your creative process like?
My creative process begins with brainstorming and creating thumbnails to draw out my creative vision on paper before I transfer it to the canvas. As a painter, I learned that I enjoy painting self-portrait art. I use the monochromatic scale to pick a color to define someone’s personality and choose other colors that complement the color I decided to choose as the main focus.
What impact do you want to have on the industry?
I want all artists to understand that art is defined by the message they communicate through their work and be influenced to go keep pushing any ideas they have in mind because everyone has a creative ideal, no matter what field they’re in. I also think an artist’s work should be intentional.
What project(s) are you currently working on?
Presently I’m working on a custom (Chacoo Original) painting for my future post; I’m working on two trench coats for my final fashion projects and, I have another big project posting after spring break.
Is there any advice you’d like to leave to other aspiring painters or SCAD students?
To be a successful artist, you need to be consistent, patient, passionate, and disciplined. Always work on developing your skills and have an open mind to learn more.
To see more of Powell’s work, you may visit his Instagram.
