I spend the majority of my time alone, kept company only by my thoughts. I have been this way since I was a child and while it was more of a survival technique in my youth, in my adulthood it has transformed into a very important space where I am able to explore thoughts, concepts, ideas and questions that all eventually pour onto my canvas. This space is where all of my artistic ideas are birthed.
It was in this space, towards the end of last year, that I began to think about the women in my life who I see as my sisters. I specifically thought about the role each of these women have played in my growth and in helping me to overcome the pain I experienced through a few heartbreaks. I wanted to paint what that protection looked like to me. Once the concept came to me, I turned to music as i normally do on my search for ideas and inspiration. And then BOOM… the idea was solidified as soon as I heard these lyrics:
“Y’all niggas ain’t hard enough.
Y’all knuckles ain’t scarred enough.
Y’all gang ain’t large enough
and I came far as fuck!”
(Lyrics from “Hard Enough” Nipsey Hussle ft. Mozzy)
I instantly thought my journey and the group of women who have been by my side through it all, the ups and the downs. I call these bad ass women my sisters and no one can penetrate their love and protection. We are all a force to be reckoned with and so these lyrics spoke to me! The lyrics were aggressive, loud and clear- my creative juices were flowing!
The result of all of this conceptualizing, planning and listening is my latest painting titled, “Y’all Niggas Ain't Hard Enough”. It embodies what I want the world to know about my sisters. The title further reflects the message of the strength I see in my sisterhood and the protection they have provided me over the years.
“Y’all Niggas Ain't Hard Enough”, 50x50”, Acrylic on Canvas, Sold.
I thought it was important to use actual sisters in this piece just to add another layer of symbolism and so I worked with Siri and Sophia who have both posed for other paintings. These girls absolutely killed this photo shoot! They brought the exact energy I needed and really helped me accomplish the vibe I was looking for. Siri, the younger of the two on the left, represents me and my journey. Her tattoos reflect pieces of myself and who I am. Sophia, on the right, represents my sisters and their love/ protection. Each of their birthdays are tattooed on her arms.
Detailed shot of Siri.
This painting, my largest to date scaling 50x50", is dedicated to the sisterhood, whatever that means to you. To me, it means a love like no other love I have ever experienced. It means having women who step in when I feel like I can’t keep going and save me. Sometimes they save me from giving up and sometimes they save me from enduring unnecessary pain at the hands of a man who just isn't ready to give me his heart. More times than not though, they save me from myself. What would I do without my sisters?
There is Bri- Our parents got married when she was five and I was twelve. We grew up under the same household and have had each others backs from day one. There is Jasmin who convinced her mom to allow me to move in with them when I was only 16 year old and didn't know where I was going to live. We've laughed, argued, celebrated and cried together. Our love runs deep. There is Iva who was my best friend in high school. We started our artistic journeys around the same time (she's a photographer) and have both been perfecting our crafts for over a decade. Now we collab together in ways we could not have fathomed ten years ago.
Then there is Karla who always tells me like it is and does NOT sugar coat. She loves me enough to hold me accountable and call me out on my bullshit. She also reminds me of how far I have come and how powerful I truly am. We have an unbreakable bond. Maribel, well we met at an art show of mine and we just clicked! This girl is a rider and if I ever needed to slash some tires believe me, she would be the first one I call (LOL). She reminds me of who I am when I need it most. Did I mention Shanice? This girl is BAD ASS. Her artistry is next level and she helps me form new ideas and hypes me up when I come to her with projects I’m working on. She embodies Black Girl Magic and reminds me of what it's all about.
Oh and Rissa, this woman is like legit a GODDESS. She has provided me so much spiritual guidance but more importantly, she has been a beautiful friend who has helped me elevate in many ways. And y’all… I don’t even know how to put my friend Cofey into words. I always describe her as “if you took a beam of sunlight straight from the sky and turned it into a person, that would be Cofey”. She is magic and a force to be reckoned with. Shoreigh is next. I met her when she was 16 and I took her under my wing to mentor her in the arts. I had NO idea how much I would learn about myself through building a relationship with her. She is like a flower blossoming in real time and I have the privilege of watching her bloom. She expresses her gratitude often and is wise beyond her years.
Next is Sonya, also someone I would call if I ever wanted to slash some tires, but she would probably talk me out of it (LOL)! She has been one of the most patient and kind friends I have ever had. Through our sisterhood I have learned a new level of communication and connection. She is also my favorite drinking and dancing partner, even on the nights when we get so tipsy that we show up late for concerts we planned months in advance for (insider). And last, but not least is my newest sister, Chili. Chili is a boss babe if I have ever met one! Not only has she helped me along my journey of healing, she also slays my hair and helps me whenever I need it. Her friendship has been such a blessing. Honestly, all of these women have blessed my life and they will all forever be marked in this very special painting as a reminder to the world of what they mean to me.
There are so many other women I consider to be sisters who I didn't get to include in the physical painting but who this painting is still dedicated to. There is Natasha who checks in despite being busy af and does things like facetime me in France just to hear how my date went in Paris with a handsome Frenchmen. There's Taura meeting up with me downtown to have wings so we can catch up and figure out life together, Ana who is legit like my soul sister and who pours so much love into me… and Milli who fills my heart with so much joy and reminds me that everyday is a good day to have a good day. Then there is Anjuli, this babe reminds me how to be fabulous AF and still advocate/ fight for causes I believe in with all my heart!
I could seriously write a book about all of these women and how beautiful, smart, dope as hell, talented and just overall AMAZING they are. They have each impacted my life in such a special way that there just are no words to ever thank them. So I hope that this painting serves as a big enough thank you to all of you.
This painting is dedicated to all of the sisterhoods around the world. They are all important and they are all needed, especially during times like these. I hope that this inspires you reading this to reach out to your sisters and tell them just how much they mean to you.
I am sending each of you love and light. Stay safe and stay healthy,
-Antoinette