Interview - A Word For My Sistas

Many thanks to Kanisha Parks for the great interview! A Word for My Sistas is an online magazine created to inform, inspire, and uplift women of color.

Monday, July 26, 2010 - by Kanisha Parks

“I love the taste and texture of passion fruit. It’s tart and sweet, sticky and yet so fluid. Its colors are vibrant; from purples and roses, to yellows and greens. It makes my senses buzz and frankly, it makes me want more. More fruit, more passion, more life.”

Those were the words you’ll find on Passion Fruit, the blog of the beautiful and talented Brianna McCarthy. If you haven’t heard of her, I’m happy to introduce you to her phenomenal talents. McCarthy’s a very passionate artist who hails from Trinidad and Tobago. Her work showcases beautiful Black women in their natural beauty. She’s been featured on many different websites, and I was honored with the opportunity of speaking with her about her art, ambitions, and future endeavors!

A Word For My Sistas: You live in the Caribbean. How does that affect your art?

Brianna McCarthy: I’m from the Caribbean; a product of it. Trinidad and Tobago, in particular, is diverse ethnically and culturally–that diversity has created a hybrid culture. I see that “mixedness” everywhere, including in my immediate family. That’s been a huge influence on my work. The women and girls I depict are made of elements pulled from those I see around me–products of the Caribbean.

A Word For My Sistas: If you were forced to go a year without drawing, what would you do?

Brianna McCarthy: I’d go mad! Seriously, I’d probably read instead. It’s the one other escape I have. I love books.

A Word For My Sistas: When and how did you begin creating art?

Brianna McCarthy: For as long as I could recall I’ve been attracted to making things and drawing etc. I come from a very resourceful and creative family. Coming from a low income background meant that I was use to the idea that it was possible to make most things which weren’t otherwise affordable. For example, having 3 older, fashionable sisters meant that we learned to make our own jewelry and clothing. I still have and wear a little black dress one of my sisters made over 7 years ago and another one of my sisters is a successful jewelry designer. I think that’s where it started for me, growing up around creative people and having that innate drive to create for myself. I used to sew all my doll’s clothes and I did that until I was about 15. I really only got serious about showing my work in a public (online) since about 3 years ago.

Read more

Keep good and blessings,