Today we’d like to introduce you to Dame Moore
Hi Dame, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi! My name is Cheyanne Moore, also known as Dame Moore, a self-taught artist born and raised in Los Angeles. Growing up, art was always present—not in the form of canvases, but in human form and physical objects like bold African statues. As a child, my favorite art installation was the Watts Towers. The idea that someone could transform something perceived as “ugly” or unwanted into something beautiful captivated me. This iconic structure, along with the daily inspiration from riding the streets of South Central Los Angeles, sparked my love for art at the age of nine. However, I never imagined I would pick up the brush to create something of my own 12 years later.
I’ve always been drawn to art, admiring the African American paintings on my living room wall. Experiencing loss and grief early in life, I struggled to find a way to cope until I started painting and designing. My first visit to the Hammer Museum in the summer of 2016 was a pivotal moment. The art on the walls felt familiar, as if my soul recognized it. It was a feeling of coming home.
My artistic journey is deeply influenced by my experience growing up in South Central and my love for Jazz. As I explored different mediums and poured my soul onto the canvas, I began painting figures, often incorporating jazz elements and flowers around their eyes. These figures have stayed with me ever since as I believe they are mirrored reflections of my being. These figures challenge the norms of beauty, proving that beauty can coexist with flaws.
I find constant inspiration in artists like Kara Walker and Kerry James Marshall, who show me the power of art and the possibilities that come with creative freedom. Through my art, I want to continue to explore and express the beauty and complexity of the human experience in a way that allows another person to feel seen. My goal is to also inspire the youth that your imagination is in fact your super power- never forget that!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can’t say that I have faced many challenges, however the road hasn’t always been smooth. It’s so easy to fall in the traps of what the world tells you to create, or how artist’s are supposed to look, and the crowds you are suppose to associate yourself with. Often I find the biggest challenge is staying authentic and remaining true in your purpose. No one ever talks about how hard it is to follow your passion and understand that sometimes it will take more than it will give, but the reward of staying true and authentic to your craft will always be the motivator to keep going and that is what will bring the most benefits.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my day job, I work as a creative strategist for an advertising agency called Media.Monks. It’s pretty cool because I get to work with some amazing brands and influence the way they show up to their consumers. Strategy and Art goes hand in hand, both challenging the way something is perceived and both having open interpretations to the viewer. Believe it or not, the advertising industry lacks black talent as there is only 3% of Black Strategist in the U.S. I feel very proud to be able to have the position I have and be a voice in a room that wasn’t design for us (Black people) to be in.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think taking risk is the pathway to true growth. Every time I took a big risk, my life changed in a unbelievable way. It is in those moments of taking risk that your faith is fully activated. Being that I am a child of God, I always looked at Risk taking as God’s challenge to us to trust the path he laid for our lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.damemooregallery.art
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheyannekay_la?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Cozy
Instagram Work: @cozyylens
Personal: @cozysznnnn
