While growing up in Oakland, California, this early parental patronage, as well as support throughout her school years, helped nurture her talent enough to get a four year scholarship to the San Francisco Art Academy. She later transferred to California State University at Hayward, where she majored in Art. One of the artists she studied under was Raymond Saunders, a very influential figure in her education.
Instead of getting her degree, she cut her studies short to become a flight attendant, and eventually raise a son. This left no time for painting, so her talent remained dormant. Some fifteen years later in 1990, with some time off from work, she had the freedom to get back into painting. Her renewed interest in art coincided with meeting a new friend and neighbor, best-selling novelist Terry McMillan.
Stewart’s preferred medium is pastels, as she explains, “I love the brilliance of the colors and the way you can manipulate them.” Of her work, and the predominance of women in her paintings, she says, “I have a good understanding of myself as a woman, so I do tend to paint a lot of women. I have a lot of girlfriends, and we talk a lot. So in my work you’ll see a lot of women interchanging, talking, doing whatever.”
The Artwork of Oronde Kairi
Born on May 1, 1975 in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia , PA, he showcases an artistic eye accompanied by a skillful stroke of the brush. Kairi truly has the power to depict life in ways that give new definition to beauty and expression with his own flair.
He began his journey of becoming an artist with the teachings and mentorship of Dawud Anyabwile, creator of the hit comic book, "Brother Man: Dictator of Discipline." Kairi attended Saturday art and computer classes given by Anyabwile and his brother, in the back of their storefront.
Becoming serious about his skills as an artist, Kairi went on to the Art Institute of Philadelphia and then to the University of the Arts, where he received his BFA in illustration. With pieces such as " New Orleans Rising" and "Night Howler," overflowing with jazzy overtones, this artist in his prime reveals his ability to paint with the ear of a musician, the soul of a poet, and the imagination of a great storyteller. Prized paintings inspired by music, friends, family, politics, and more simply- life, Kairi is an every man's artist.