Today we’d like to introduce you to Kobina Wright.
Hi Kobina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Orange, California, like my mother. My dad was enlisted in the Coast Guard in my early childhood, and our family lived briefly in Michigan, Maryland, and North Carolina, where her brother was born. However, I spent most of my childhood with my parents and brother in California. The return to California was a great source of inspiration because I was able to bond with my mom’s parents, her siblings, and my cousins. Much of my work today is influenced by this period of my childhood. In the second grade, I realized how much I loved creative writing, and in the 10th grade, I contributed to my school’s literary magazine. At the same time, I also began creating acrylic paintings on canvas. At 15, I didn’t have much money. I had an allowance from my parents, but it was modest. So, I purchased canvases and two tubes of paint. Black and white. I could always create different shades of gray as needed. So, all my first works on canvas were in black and white. I’ve explored many other forms of art that have brought me to where I am currently, including filmmaking. And I was so happy to be able to get the film scored by my daughter. I’m not just a proud Mama. She did a fantastic job.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story. Has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Nothing about this road has been smooth. In all of my projects, I’ve experienced a plethora of rejection, so I’ve had to grow a thick skin over the years. There’ve been times when I’ve questioned my ability, and there have also been times when I’ve been grateful for that rejection. Looking back at some of my previous works, I can see what I’ve done wrong—many times. Sometimes, things are simply subjective, and there is no wrong answer. There are only choices. I’m not always up against better talent. Sometimes it’s just a matter of numbers. Everyone cannot be number one when you are up against thousands of people. That has been my biggest challenge. Realizing that my voice is enough right where I am, I have to be okay with that, at least for now.
As you know, we’re big fans of your work. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with it?
I’m a visual artist known for my abstract work, which includes the use of symbols. I’m big on symbology and using Universal energy to direct my work. That might sound like a bunch of nonsense, but if you think of my process as a prayer into the universe, it might resonate better. I’d like to think of it all as a prayer on the wind for the benefit of the world. My work is more conceptual than anything. although I do, from time to time, use figurative images. Everything I create these days stems from a place of love and healing and my desire to show compassion to humanity.
What matters most to you?
The most important thing is my happiness and being attuned to it. Of course, my happiness is like the Kraken. I have a tentacle that reaches out and connects to my daughter’s happiness. As her mother, I’m the happiest when she is happy. My happiness is also connected to my friends and their families in a way. It’s connected to the state of the planet. We are all connected.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ojenis.art/
- Other: https://www.artsy.net/partner/ojenis-gallery
