February 2021 Featured Artist
Massachusetts-Based Illustrator & Graphic Designer
Velicia Gourdin
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Self Portrait
© Velicia Gourdin |
Velicia Gourdin is from Boston, MA. She attended Pratt Institute in New York and New England School of Art & Design at Suffolk University in Boston.
Velicia has created illustrative and graphic design work for The New York Times, Jazz vocalist Lezlie Harrison, and a host of others. She has also been featured in many publications, including Urban Bush Babes and AFROPUNK. Velicia seeks to inspire young artists to believe in possibility and opportunity because she witnessed achievement in her own family – achievements that pushed the boundaries for Black people. Her grandfather won a silver medal in the 1921 Olympics, served as a general in the U.S. Army, and became the first African American to become a district court judge in Boston, MA. Her mom, a classically trained pianist, was the recipient of a Fulbright scholarship and went on to become a lifelong educator. Having been surrounded by achievement, creativity and promise, Velicia grew up believing in possibility. Velicia is a self-taught digital artist whose work is a blend between traditional methods and the infinite flexibility of today's digital illustration tools. Influenced by Antonio Lopez, Patrick Nagel, George Stavrinos and Tony Viramontes, she seeks to share her own unique style of fashion as it stands today. Focusing on diversity in her portrayal of beauty - as it relates to the fashion industry and beyond - Velicia seeks to communicate power, positivity and possibility in her work. She hopes that each line, each application of color, and each composition breaks through deep-rooted perceptions of beauty. She is currently teaching a college-level, virtual drawing class, planning various personal projects (including illustrating a children's book), and looking forward to safely visiting her grandchildren. |
Velicia discusses her journey as an artist, her illustrative style and the need for diversity throughout the industry.
When did you become interested in illustration?
I was always interested in drawing. I became interested in fashion as a teenager and planned to pursue a career in fashion design. My mother was a classical pianist and very stylish - especially when she was performing. So, the influence of fashion - how one used it to create a persona and to communicate a special viewpoint to the world - was a huge influence on me. Both of my grandmothers were very stylish in their day. One was conservative, sporting mock turtlenecks and well-tailored skirt or pant suits. My other grandmother attended her monthly ladies’ club meetings wearing shiny silk dresses with full-on crinoline slips underneath! During my first semester of college, it became clear that fashion illustration (rather than fashion design) was more in line with how I saw the world. I could communicate those same influences within my drawings.
I was always interested in drawing. I became interested in fashion as a teenager and planned to pursue a career in fashion design. My mother was a classical pianist and very stylish - especially when she was performing. So, the influence of fashion - how one used it to create a persona and to communicate a special viewpoint to the world - was a huge influence on me. Both of my grandmothers were very stylish in their day. One was conservative, sporting mock turtlenecks and well-tailored skirt or pant suits. My other grandmother attended her monthly ladies’ club meetings wearing shiny silk dresses with full-on crinoline slips underneath! During my first semester of college, it became clear that fashion illustration (rather than fashion design) was more in line with how I saw the world. I could communicate those same influences within my drawings.
© Velicia Gourdin
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© Velicia Gourdin
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How would you describe your illustrative style?
It seems to change with whatever interests me, but I can see continuity within the subjects or moods I want to capture. I focus on what fashion has sometimes left out of its esthetic: diversity and inclusion. My attention is peaked by an odd angle, a natural hairstyle, or a garment that has an interesting composition. There’s an ever-present black line working its way through my compositions, whether I’m communicating through traditional or digital illustration media.
It seems to change with whatever interests me, but I can see continuity within the subjects or moods I want to capture. I focus on what fashion has sometimes left out of its esthetic: diversity and inclusion. My attention is peaked by an odd angle, a natural hairstyle, or a garment that has an interesting composition. There’s an ever-present black line working its way through my compositions, whether I’m communicating through traditional or digital illustration media.
© Velicia Gourdin
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© Velicia Gourdin
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Your fashion illustrations are unique, have incredible movement and exude attitude. Do you hope to express feminine confidence and power through your fashion illustrations?
Thank you! Yes, that's the whole point! Representation is everything to me. My mom modeled confidence and power as a Black female concertizing pianist/accompanist during a time when there were very few women of color in that area of the creative arts. Achievement is always possible, but it is so much easier when we can be inspired by elder role models who have paved the way. Anything is possible when our horizons are broadened, whether that is through art, literature or theater.
Thank you! Yes, that's the whole point! Representation is everything to me. My mom modeled confidence and power as a Black female concertizing pianist/accompanist during a time when there were very few women of color in that area of the creative arts. Achievement is always possible, but it is so much easier when we can be inspired by elder role models who have paved the way. Anything is possible when our horizons are broadened, whether that is through art, literature or theater.
© Velicia Gourdin
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© Velicia Gourdin
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© Velicia Gourdin
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Do you feel that the Black female figure needs more representation in advertising campaigns?
Yes. Yes. Yes! The pressure has long been on the fashion industry to practice equality by including more Black women in runway and advertising opportunities. You can see the difference between the designers who fully embrace and highlight Black beauty and those who don’t. If you look at how hair and makeup is handled for Black models on the runway, you’ll often find untrained makeup artists and/or stylists. Many lack the necessary cultural experience to get it right. This is indicative of just checking off an item on a “compliance” list (Black models…check), instead of including a designer who has a true understanding of diversity. It’s not enough to receive a heartfelt message of support from major companies and organizations. There needs to be an actual commitment towards inclusion of Black businesses, across all industries, rather than the appropriation of Black culture as a signpost of cultural “wokeness.” Models Bethann Hardison, Iman and Naomi Campbell have continually pushed for more diversity. Life as we know it has been forever changed by the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, and so many businesses, particularly ones owned by people of color, will not survive. If my illustrations and commentary can open hearts and minds, then I’m here for all of it. I’m blessed to be able to influence young artists, and I share my viewpoints with them. Young artists are definitely more in tune with equality issues; then again, creatives have always led when it comes to bringing about change, haven’t they? |
Where do you find sanctuary?
Lately, I’m finding sanctuary in being mindful – being present in the moment – and appreciating little wins, such as my grandchildren’s milestones. Three of them arrived in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. I find sanctuary in their parents’ strength because they are meeting the challenges of this critical time with courage and love. Most of all, I find sanctuary in the ever-present resilience of love and the gratitude that it brings.
Lately, I’m finding sanctuary in being mindful – being present in the moment – and appreciating little wins, such as my grandchildren’s milestones. Three of them arrived in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. I find sanctuary in their parents’ strength because they are meeting the challenges of this critical time with courage and love. Most of all, I find sanctuary in the ever-present resilience of love and the gratitude that it brings.
Photo Courtesy: Velicia Gourdin
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© Velicia Gourdin
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