Create! Magazine is pleased to share a new exclusive interview with Yvonne Coleman Burney!

About the artist:

I began my art after having already formed a career in graphic design and photography while working in the medical field. Being self-taught in creating art has had a profound effect on my visual language from childhood.

The bold use of mixing materials as a collage of different content, and color provides a dramatic metaphor that translates directly into my creations. I create art that speaks from the past optimism, present problems, and future possibilities.

I consider myself a storyteller, being a baby boomer, I tend to see the world and creating from another perspective than most people, which leads me to the desire to continually keep a little bit of an organic old-school feel to the art, while still representing my culture.

I intend to bring light and understanding with a newfound sight of beauty which sometimes falls silent to most people, discouraging the positive qualities that we can find in each other as humans. I want my work to act as a catalyst every day it is seen in this world toward bringing observation through the form of art of the world we live in with each other by bringing awareness to the issues we still have with each other.

See more on Yvonne’s Instagram.

You already had a career in graphic design and photography before you started making art. Can you walk us through what prompted the switch or was art always something you were doing on the side?

Art was introduced to me as a child. I was eight years old when I found a wooden box at one of the local thrift stores my mom used to frequent on Saturdays. While begging her for that quarter for the box without even looking, I knew It was something inside that would change me in some way, which it did. At that young age, I knew how I felt about it but there were so many nay-sayers and variables that art became deferred for a long time. Yet, it was always in my heart.

I'm sure having that background played a part in developing your aesthetic as an artist. Can you tell us a bit more about how your style has evolved and what kind of imagery and subject matter most interests you?

Having those childhood dreams has always had me searching for my path in art. Living in Philly from 2003 to 2005 sparked my desire because I had a lot of free time to paint, go to art shows, and have some of my work in galleries. My all-time favorite is abstract mixed media art and I will always incorporate that in my works. My love for art that honors women in some way will also be something that I will do. I am planning In the next few months to paint a series of artwork of abstract mixed media for my website that will be for sale by the end of the year. I so admire those artists that you look at their work and you know that it is them. I cannot tame myself down to just one style of work because of the creative energy that I have I love all types of art, which is why I have different collections of work in my portfolio.

Do you create intuitively based on the images you find or do you usually have an idea in mind and then look for the images that will fit your vision? Can you tell us more about your process?

I am asked that often and for me, I am inspired by many things, especially women and nature. I sometimes wake up or come up with an idea but that is rare. Mostly for me, my work is intuitive and as I am designing, other elements come to vision in the process of creating that image or body of work. The other form of art that I love to work with is paper and digital collage, and for my process, it is collecting any and everything I can find including magazines, paper, fabric paper, Gelli prints, and just any element that interest me. You can never have too much for that form of work.

Is there one particularly memorable reaction someone has had to your work?

I had a woman contact me one time after searching for me in various places but was not able to get an email or form of contact. This was before I had my website. When she did get a hold of me she was crying and was so excited and happy she made me cry. She was new to social media but had seen one of the Women In Bloom and she was very grateful and happy to be connected to me to get the one she wanted. That was so special to me because it makes me feel like I am doing what I was created to do. My prayer always is to be more than just an artist and to give someone joy and love through the work I make. I don’t just want to give a 100% but 210% to my customers and the people I meet.

When you were initially starting out promoting your work, what were some of the steps you took to gain exposure?

I love sharing this information because so many people are closed lips with their art, supplies, and processes that might help someone else. When you're gifted with creativity it's yours, no one else can do what you do like you do. I had to learn the hard way. So my suggestion is to decide what you want, whether it's to be in magazines or to be on TV, which is my next goal. Just know that nothing is too big, no dream is out of reach for you. I say this because I am 69 years old and I am just getting started. Nothing can stop you but you! Make a list of what you want to do with your art. Then do research. If it’s galleries, look all of them up in your area. Make sure they have the type of work you make. Next, make an art portfolio of some of your best work, including your artist bio, your statement, and your work. Send an email to them with the intent you have like being in one of their group shows or an exclusive exhibit. Do this for each venue you are trying to get in. Each time you hit send speak into the Universe what you want to happen, such as “I am going to have my gallery exhibit”. Don’t second guess it or think about it, just know that it will happen. When you turn your mindset to this positive way of thinking, then before you know it, things will change. This is exactly what I do. One thing I have learned is that what is for you is for you!

Speaking more about the business of being an artist, you now have established partnerships with ICanvas and Nordstrom Rack. How did these collaborations come about and what do you recommend for artists who want to be recognized by a brand?

It’s the same process as the question before. You have to have a clear intention of where you want to be with your artwork. I did a lot of research for almost four months on the various places that except artists’ work. I looked for places that took African-American art and any place that might be licensing artwork. My goal was to get my work out there by licensing with someone who could do that for me, which would leave me time to work instead of marketing most of the time. Don’t stop with one person, keep looking for the things you want to do or be involved in. Whatever you do, don’t ever give your copyright to anyone for any amount of money because once you do it does not belong to you anymore. Some places that look for artists are Art.com, ICanvas, Fineartamerica.com, and so many more. Once you do research, you will find a lot of places that need what you have. I was sitting around one day and thought I am going to google my name. Wow, I was blown away by all the stuff I had out there and even more when I googled Artist Yvonne Coleman Burney. When you get yourself hooked up with some of the places you researched, also check the ones I listed. You will be able to do the same thing in a couple of months and see your stuff everywhere.

Favorite ways to unwind and recharge your creativity?

For me, I have three different things, and if I can’t do one of them then I do the one I can. The ocean has always been a form of peace and comfort for me. If it is not possible to make the drive that day, then meditation is always something I can do just about anywhere and something I do daily just to release stress, tension, and anxiety. It gives you a clean, clear space to recharge and move again in a more positive frequency. Last but not least, just relax with a great glass of wine and Audible. You need to remove yourself from the creative mood sometimes and focus on something else. I can lay down and start to watch a good movie, and out of nowhere, I get a thought that usually turns out to be a good piece of work. I don’t jump up right at the moment, but I keep a book and pen on my nightstand. When I am ready to create again, all those thoughts are right there to start the inspiration going again.

What are you currently working on? Any exciting exhibitions or projects coming up that you'd like to share with our audience?

Well, I am glad you asked! I am working on something that is not related to art - I am currently designing a Men’s jewelry collection due to open online by the end of November 2021 going into December. The website will be ChantilMonet.com

As far as my art, I am working on a mixed media abstract collection hopefully to launch in December of this year, and also working on another collection honoring women that will be more of a collage body of work that I hope to have out next year. You can also look for an exclusive gallery exhibit of my work coming in early 2022.