abi salami in conversation
with curatorial associate emily edwards
What motivates you to go to your studio?
The exciting possibilities. I'm one of those artists who is compelled to create. It doesn't always have to be a painting, but I must create something new and since I learn quickly and eagerly, each day is an opportunity to create something completely new, weird or captivating.
How do you define your personal creative process?
I like to take inspiration from life. I always have my iPad by my side so I can sketch, draw or jot down a couple notes of things I see that might make for a good painting later. Then using these scribbles, doodles and scratches as prompts, I engage in mindless drawing until something pops out and I'm like yes, that's my next piece!
Can you share a recent happy moment anecdote about making an artwork?
Actually, my new art brand called Taunes Bunny was a happy accident. I was getting burnt out from painting and I wanted to work on something light and fun. I was having one of my doodling sessions on the new iPad Jammie had got me where I was trying to emulate how he sometimes will limit his palette to only a couple colors, and since my fine artworks tend to be more colorful, I wanted to try a limited earth tone palette and voila! Taunes Bunny was born! With its earth tones and abstract shapes, this new brand is more modern, contemporary and very interior design friendly. I've been really enjoying exploring this new style and the reception to it has been really great!
about abi salami
A self-taught artist, Salami graduated with a Masters in Professional Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin and worked in public accounting and real estate for almost a decade before deciding to follow her passion for art as a full-time career. She creates vibrant, colorful, cultural paintings with the goal of creating awareness about the importance of mental health, especially within the African community. Growing up in a Nigerian household while suffering from depression was challenging for Salami as discussing and addressing mental illness within the African community is still very taboo. After suffering privately for years, she is now dedicated to using her artwork to ensure that others do not have to continue to suffer in silence. Her works have been showcased at the African American Museum of Dallas, Texas; The Women’s Museum, Dallas; George A. Purefoy Municipal Center. Frisco, Texas; Fort Worth Community Arts Center, Texas; and the Texas Visual Arts Association, Dallas.