Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree (Dez) Thaniel.
Hi Desiree, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Honestly, I give God all of the credit for where I am today because I started to feel extremely grateful for my gift after I understood its significance. When I was three years old, I cut my hand on a large shard of glass that was sticking out in a candy jar.
The cut was so bad it reached from my wrist to the bottom of my pinky. The doctors suspected my left arm would not grow past its length. To this day, that scar reminds me every day of how blessed I am. I can’t bend my thumb but my arm supports my work in ways it would not have otherwise. That’s how I know my purpose is imperative.
My story begins in a sheltered home. I spent a lot of time in solitude working on my craft since childhood. I started drawing when I was nine years old and my mother soon told me she used to draw when she was younger. That encouraged me to keep going knowing that I was like my mother in that way especially without her mentioning it before.
I used to own a Bible that had pictures in it as well and always admired the painterly hand in each picture studying them. I started painting at thirteen to see how far I could go and kept painting since. As they say, the rest is history! But I can’t leave out my village who raised me and been there for me through thick and thin. My family has had my back even in moments I didn’t think they would. I wouldn’t be who I am without them. Shout out to my FAM BAM and my supporters for encouraging me along the way. We all need that sometimes. Love yall always.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, I wish! As a kid, of course, it was a little easier because I would make work that I liked.
As I got older, I understood that the work needed to be more meaningful. With that comes a certain level of vulnerability and honesty that I was not prepared to enter. I know I wanted my work to make an impact and so having to do that induces a type of fear, imposter syndrome, doubt, and credibility.
Not only did I have to endure moments where I was alone in certain stances but I also had to fight these mental limitations I placed on myself thinking the universe would serve grace if I played it small. Now I am committed to my honesty in my work telling my story that never got a chance to be seen. A perspective I think is just as important to tell.
Walking into your purpose like God sent you is much easier said than done. I am a new person now so the hardest thing in this journey is letting go of the old to embracing the new. Playing it safe won’t get me where I need to go.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in painting and have been for the past eleven years or so. From acrylic, oil, pastel, and murals I try not to limit what I can do. I am mostly known for my realistic style of portrait paintings. I paint Black women in the different mediums I use to demonstrate our limitless expressions.
I believe this style, my attention to detail as well as the use of color sets me apart. I add vibrancy and add imaginative details wherever I can. Now my work is a documentation of my story surrounding my spiritual and mental stages in this journey and what it takes to get here. My story alone is my story.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
For me, school has been the best way of networking and finding mentors. In a class setting, you’re learning in a formal environment surrounded by others who may be just as serious as you are. In the right room, you can develop a healthy competitive relationship with your peers as you support each other to win.
The teachers and professors you meet along the way are literal mentors for your practice. It’s especially great to have someone who is passionate about what they do and is real with you. Once I started back at school at Morgan, my confidence became a lot better, my work started to have more meaning, and I’ve been introduced to more opportunities that I’m able to apply for.
Another thing that works is going to art events! Go to show openings especially! Visit the museums! GO OUTSIDE. I know it can be very nerve-wracking I FEEL YOU but the only way to take to next step is to put your best foot forward… literally. You may be able to find the community for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dezthanielart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dez.thaniel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dez.thaniel/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO66D4_4N-PGqn-LcXWzCPw
Image Credits
Desiree Thaniel, Vuyo Mfokazi, and Brandon Buckson
