Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Dessalines.
Hi Sabrina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always considered myself an artist from a very young age. I didn’t start painting until the age of 11 where I would spend a few hours a week at a local studio practicing and teaching myself different techniques with the resources they provided. There, I had mentors to answer my questions and provide materials and upon completion, I had the opportunity to sell my work at the gallery. From then until college, art was always more than a hobby for me. It was a part of who I was, my passion. I always knew it would be a part of my life.
Though I did not choose to study art, it was difficult for me to make time to create but when I did, my friends would always encourage me to start selling my work or start some sort of side hustle related to it. After some convincing, I decided to officially launch my website and create the brand Art by Ina in late 2018. From then I researched a local print shop and I focused on selling my work through prints and phone cases because I found those the most fitting for my work, and then I progressed to customized grad caps, and even Greek paraphernalia. I attended as many pop ups, markets, and vendor opportunities as I could and eventually started to make a name for myself around UCF and the surrounding Orlando areas.
I learned the value of networking and through the connections, I made over the years I have been blessed with many open doors and opportunities for bigger projects and more showcases. One of the biggest opportunities I received was when I was reached out to join an all-female crew of creatives to create what is now known as the Unity Mural located on 814 W Church st. This was my first large-scaled mural and with the mentoring of professional muralist Maureen Hudas, I can now use that experience to take on more projects and grow as an artist. I also received countless more opportunities just from my involvement in the mural. Among those, I was granted a solo exhibition and collaboration with Wall Crawl Orlando, was invited to have my work displayed in a show at OMA (Orlando museum of art) , and have been invited to work on more larger mural projects around downtown Orlando.
As of today, I have tapped into creating with different mediums such as resin and oil paints. I’ve been working on a mural with a few artists at a nonprofit children’s art program known as Artreach Orlando. From working on this project I have been granted a 7-month contract to have access to one of their open studios to use at my free will. For someone that has always created in their bedroom/living space this is a huge milestone for me for I’ve only wished to have a my own studio since I was able to pick up a brush. Currently, my goal is to maximize the use of this space and really tap into developing my skills and growing as an artist.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Because my intended career path is to become a Physician Assistant, I’ve definitely had a few obstacles when building my brand. Instead of art I chose to study Biomedical Sciences for my undergrad degree. Coming from a family of medical professionals I have always had interest in the field and felt as though it would be a great career that fits to my needs and interests. Though because I chose such a concentrated and intensive major, I had to make many adjustments to what I gave my time and energy to. I often had to take breaks from creating and accepting commissions just so that I can catch up on assignments and study for exams. All this while juggling two other jobs.
When the COVID pandemic happened many people were able to use that time we had in lockdown to build themselves and their businesses, but because I also work 12hr night shifts at hospital, staffing was important to withhold so I did not have as much free time to work on my art as I would have hoped. My life is very much on GO. Everyday is a new list of tasks that have to be completed when juggling a business, a part time job, and applying for a highly competitive master’s program (Physician Assistant).
Also while it’s great to have consistent commission requests and orders, they eventually take a toll as a creator because of the limited creative freedom you have to make a client’s vision come to life. While it is another source of income and I am fully grateful for every order, I have not been able to develop my portfolio as I would have liked to thus, I do not believe the work that is out is an accurate representation of my skills as an artist. Though I am actively working to change that because I would love nothing more than to show the world what more I have up my sleeves.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I identify as a Freelance Fine Artist. I specialize in portrait painting currently in both acrylic and oil paint. I also have branched out into customizations of shoes, denim jackets, purses, grad caps, and even decorative trays. Anything that can withhold paint pretty much.
I am mainly inspired to create black subjects for my pieces. I aim to capture a person’s true emotions and beauty when painting them. Ideally, I like to do this through subjects of intimacy such as couples, partners, and mother and child. My goal is for my work to speak for itself yet also be flexible enough for speculation.
Because I still believe my work is still developing and changing, I don’t think I have established a specific style. But I think because I am so fluid with my art and what I choose to create is what makes me stand out. I believe I can do anything I put my mind to. I think have the discipline to teach myself and learn new things has helped me to get to where I am today. Those self-taught lessons is what I’m most proud of. I believe that helped me in my transition into oil paints and is why I can be so comfortable with the medium so quickly. It puts into perspective what more I can do and my potential to grow.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
It’s funny because there was a time as an adolescent when I never drew/ painted a person of color. It was not until my mother had pointed it out to me that I realized I didn’t even know how. And even when I first tried they were still pretty fair-skinned and light. I really had to study color theory and pay attention to the different undertones and hues in our skin to understand how to capture the different shades of brown. And ever since, I have mostly always had a black subject.
Contact Info:
- Email: Sdessalines933@gmail.com
- Website: Artbyina3.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyina3/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sabribri_933
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@artbyina3?lang=en
