Bold, Black, and Beautiful: How This Creator Merges Visual Art and Storytelling
Storytelling and bold, vivid designs collide when Kea creates and shares her art. The maker and the muse behind @artbyvenusstudio, each piece holds a unique aesthetic you see when Black beauty, resilience, and saced identity take center stage.
Growing up surrounded by creativity and inspired by her mother, an artist who infused Blackness and beauty into her work, Kea's love for art came naturally. Today, she channels her passion into painting and design, creating pieces that celebrate Black womanhood, reflection, and youth.
Through her vibrant use of color and cultural motifs, Kea invites us to explore themes of love, pride, and transformation, reminding us that art is both a personal journey and a bridge to cultural connection.
We asked a few questions to learn more about this gifted artist.
Can you tell us a bit about your artistic journey? How did you get started, and what led you to pursue painting and design?
My artistic journey began in childhood, I was always surrounded by creativity and storytelling. My mother was an artist. I watched her create and sell and provide with her art and Blackness and beauty was always so central. I never had to question it, I just always believed in it. My mom didn’t even have to ask me to pay attention, I fell in love with art and Black beauty and existence so naturally.
Later, I pursued painting and design as a way to communicate stories about black womanhood, youth, reflection, and identity. Art became a means of personal expression and a bridge to connect with my culture.
As a Black woman artist, how do you navigate the art world? What challenges have you experienced, if any, and how do you overcome them?
Navigating the art world as a Black woman often means challenging stereotypes and advocating for representation. But it also means so much more. There are women and femmes out here just like me looking for someone that gets it and I put my energy toward that. The positives truly dwarf the negatives.
At times, I’ve felt underestimated, but I see those moments as opportunities to dominate and inspire. By creating work that reflects my community and collaborating with organizations that value Black womanhood, I’ve found ways to build my set my table instead of waiting for a seat at someone else’s.
How would you describe your style? Are there any influences that shape your work?
My style is rooted in storytelling, blending emotions with colors and textures. Cultural influences, particularly the resilience and vibrancy of our culture, are also central to my work. Personal experiences—like my childhood, the women in my life I looked up to, my and my peers ambitions—also shape my art. Themes of love, memory, and identity are also special to me.
Your work often blends visual art and design. How do you approach the fusion of these two mediums, and what excites you about working across both?
I try to approach the art and design as an ongoing conversation. Visual art provides the emotion and narrative and design introduces functionality. I try to create work that is both impactful and useful, but in a lighthearted way. I don’t like things to always feel heavy or deep. Products also shift, so I want the art’s message remain cohesive.
What role does representation play in your art?
Representation is at the heart of my work. Seeing Black voices and perspectives in the art world validates our stories and inspires future generations. I strive to ensure my work contributes to this growing presence, amplifying narratives that celebrate our humanity and resilience.
What themes do you hope to communicate through your paintings and designs?
I aim to communicate themes of love, healing, pride and transformation. My work often explores the intersections of personal and collective histories of identity, reflection, passion and joy.
Do you have any specific artists, mentors, or cultural staples that have influenced you or your outlook as an artist?
Artists like my mother, Tina Lockhart. Black bc storytelling through art existed around me for as long as I can remember. It’s allowed me to create naturally and find beauty resourcefully and place it in art in a special, intimate way. I’m so grateful for her influence.
Music is another huge influence—primarily rap, hustler music. In my original work especially. I really try to drive themes of ambition and resilience home. Pieces like “Off Duty Waiter”, “My Brother is Still With Me”, and “I Already Knew” are great examples of this.
How do you approach the creative process? What does your typical day look like when you’re in the studio?
My creative process starts with reflection—journaling, sketching, or gathering materials that resonate with my current ideas, and LOTS of listening to music, and reading poetry really triggers my creativity too. While I wouldn’t say there are typical days in my practice, I do have those things to lean on.
Your artwork challenges or reimagines traditional aesthetics. How do you balance innovation and tradition in your design and visual art practices?
I honor tradition by incorporating elements of Black history and culture—the colors of the pan African flag, hair accessories we grew up with, clothing from different eras of pop culture—while innovating through the use of contemporary techniques and materials. This balance allows me to pay homage to the past but not to the point where it’s generic or redundant. I have something of my own to say as well.
What role does color play in your artwork, both in terms of emotional impact and cultural significance?
Color is a powerful storyteller in my work, some of my pieces are even named after colors. My warmer tones often evoke introspection and healing and my bright poppy pieces use colors the wake up the senses—pinks, neons etc.
How do you see your work evolving in the next few years?
In the next few years, I plan to expand Art by Venus Studio through trade shows, collaborations, and new digital products. I’m excited to incorporate more teaching work in my practice as well.
Can you share a particular piece or project that you feel particularly proud of?
One piece I’m proud of is Off-Duty Waiter, New York City, which captures the duality of rest and labor. It resonates with audiences because it’s both personal and universal, reflecting the nuances of everyday life.
How does your experience as a Black woman influence your perspective on current social, political, or cultural issues?
My identity shapes everything I create. Being a Black woman gives me a unique lens to celebrate Black confidence, beauty, ease, and joy. My art is both a reflection of my lived experiences and my rejection of a world that wants us to buy into myths about our worth.
How do you navigate creating work that’s both aesthetically pleasing and meaningful?
For me, meaning comes first. I ensure every design or artwork starts with purpose, and then it can be refined and polished visually to enhance its impact.
What advice would you give to other Black women aspiring to become artists or designers?
Own your narrative and don’t let others define your worth. Seek out mentors, respect and engage with your peers, take CARE of yourself, and stay authentic to your vision.
What needs to change to make art and design more inclusive and diverse?
Institutions need to invest in Black artists through funding, representation, and mentorship. It’s also important to challenge tokenism and create equitable opportunities that align truly with artists as individuals instead of trying the same thing with everybody.
Can you share any upcoming projects, exhibitions, or collaborations?
I’m preparing to expand my studio in 2025. I’m also planning to continue working as a teaching artist in partnership with local and national community organizations.
How do you define success in your career as an artist and designer?
Success is creating work that resonates with people while staying true to my vision. It’s also about building a legacy that inspires others and supports the community.
I hope my art makes people feel seen, connected, and inspired to reflect on their own stories. I hope to leave behind a legacy of authenticity, beauty, resilience, and love—showing future generations that our stories matter and deserve to be told boldly and unapologetically.
Support Kea and follow on social media!
@artbyvenusstudio
@keahsphotos
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