Creative Curls (Erina Nyonyintono) is known for her colorful and creative acrylic paintings that celebrate and bring awareness to the traditions and cultures of predominantly black and ethnic minority groups. Through her art, she hopes to teach others about how representation matters, giving a population the ability to see themselves in her paintings. She "just wants to share colour, light and positivity to all those that follow.” To learn more about Creative Curls, please read our exclusive interview below.

Where are you based?
I live in West Country, Gloucestershire.

When did you know art was the career path that you wanted to pursue?
I’ve always been a creative, but I’d say soon after entering full-time employment as a Graphic Designer following Graduation.

Do you have a favorite style or specific artist that inspires you?
I get my inspiration from a number of sources, so things such as photography, videography, varying cultures and traditions. I follow a number of amazing Artists on Instagram so I really couldn’t say I have a particular favourite Artist, but I really appreciate fan pages such as DopeBlackArt and BlackArt365 for constantly showcasing and introducing me to new Artists.

You have an interesting variety of artistic subject matter ranging from empowerment, family, black love, etc. Is there a method to your selection process? How do you decide and discover topics to explore within African subcultures?
I tend to go with whatever feels natural in terms of where my mind wants to explore that day. Occasionally I will be in the middle of a piece and I can picture myself building a series off the back of that one painting – that tends to be the way my ideas develop and evolve. However, whilst I think this is a great free way to work, at the same time, when I push myself to stick with one theme and explore it, I surprise myself with the outcome and it’s really exciting not fully knowing where I will creatively go next.

In your blog, you wrote an intriguing piece on representation within the arts. As a mixed race individual with Ugandan roots, you mentioned harboring a feeling that could be described as bittersweet when exploring a captivating museum full of artwork created by predominantly wealthy white men. Why do you think art is so racially homogenous? Do you feel the current state of the arts is more diverse?
I don’t believe that Art, as a concept, is racially homogenous at all. However, regarding the Artwork that I referred to in that blog post — the period in history when those paintings were created played heavily into the wealthy white stereotype of that time. So, whilst different races will have had Artists creating in their own unique manner throughout the history of time, for obvious reason, only certain artifacts were stored safely enough and chosen to be shown in the British galleries.

In 2020, we are fortunate to live in a connected online world, that allows each of us to specifically seek out whatever it is that we wish to see (i.e. Black, Asian, Latino art etc.). There are countless platforms, online galleries, behind the scenes access, etc., that enable us to not only share what we create with others, but to become inspired from our peers within the palm of our hands.

Black empowerment and other racial subjects have been prevalent points of discussion following the death of George Floyd. What are your thoughts on this matter?
The only thing I have to say on the matter is anything that empowers and uplifts Black people, I am here for. I try to use my platform to spread positivity where I can and I would always encourage other people to keep educating themselves, to keep spreading awareness and to be supportive to each other and our struggle.

Throughout the remembrance and grief following George Floyd, the internet found an abundance of ways to pay respects - social media, news, video, articles, etc. One relevant and noteworthy method used was art (murals, digital art, sketches, etc.). What are your thoughts on the reliance on art during times of crisis?
I think Art has always been used as a reflection of the times and is also a great method to convey emotions that we sometimes don’t feel able to speak on. I think it is a wonderful tool that can be used to help spread awareness, whilst allowing the Artists themselves to express their own, personal interpretation of events.

As a small business owner making a living from art and teaching, you’ve most likely felt the direct effects of COVID. How do you approach teaching and creating now that the quarantine confines us to our homes?
I was fortunate enough to not be particularly affected by COVID and I was able to continue as I was before, creating from home. As with many other business, the classes that I ran moved online and whilst it took a little adjusting, it was easy enough to achieve.

Can you talk about your daily routine during COVID? How do you remain creative?
Staying creative isn’t something I struggle with, as I often have multiple ideas floating around in my head. So it’s more finding the time and choosing between the ideas to execute. In terms of a daily routine, I don’t tend to have one. I have a couple of interests outside of Art, so I bounce between these in terms of whatever suits my mood at the time!

How are you staying positive during these times?
I tend to stay away from the news. As with many of us, in the beginning stages of Corona, we were watching the chaos unravel and seeking information from the Governments who were equally making it up as they went along (or so it appeared). I reduced my news consumption and, to be honest, I have always preferred to read the news rather than watch it. I’m lucky to have a great network of family and friends and I also found it really important to try and stay active when I felt that I could. That said, at the same time, not succumb to the idea that I had to be doing something all the time.

What is your motto in life?
Life’s short, don’t take it too seriously.

To learn more about Creative Curls, please follow her via the below platforms:
www.creativecurls.co.uk
Instagram: creativecurls_

Get Colorful With Creative Curls