What was the highlight of the year?

The highlight of the year was me learning to create from a place of healing and intent. Being able to come into myself and allow myself to grow has been an amazing journey that I will always be on.

As a black girl from the south, I faced a big challenge when it came to showing up for myself. Over the years, I found myself performing for others and not embracing my authentic self. Through art, I slowly gave myself permission to share pieces of myself on canvas. This practice has allowed me to invite growth, rather than fear it. I document that growth within each work by portraying vulnerability through creation. I use my voice to express that vulnerability through figures that represent me.

What was one thing you created that made you happy?

One thing that made me happy to create was my artist series, The Freedom of Being.

As someone who has struggled with their mental health, I find it helpful to express that through my art. The recurring themes in my work are self love, self actualization, and growth. I utilize these themes as a way of healing spiritually and emotionally. My recent subjects consist of black women in various different backgrounds/areas coming into their own authentic self. Each work is an ode to me accepting the multiple versions of myself.

What are you looking forward to - why?

I am looking forward to furthering my artistic skills and continuing to look within myself for inspiration.

To be an artist, I feel that it is imperative that one must be honest with themselves first and then others. Each of my paintings also document my journey as a black woman, and who I am meant to be. I do this to fully step into my power and show up as my authentic self, not only on canvas, but in person. Painting is my passion and I am so grateful to see myself grow as a woman and an artist.

Meet Morgan

Morgan Newton is a visual artist and Howard Alumna from Houston, Texas.