Today we’d like to introduce you to Trenity Thomas.
Hi Trenity, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
As a little kid, I️ knew creativity was somewhere in the path for me. Everything seemed to inspire me, from watching horror movies, looking through Jet and Ebony magazines while my mom was styling hair in the hair salon, and even noticing the designs of streetlights on the highway while taking trips to Texas with my dad. Throughout grade school, I went to art class for the talented, and that ignited my passion for drawing and painting. When I️ turned 15, I️ was gifted a camera for my birthday from my mom. A camera has been in my hands ever since. Taking pictures of family and friends eased my way into getting comfortable with photographing people. I️ then realized I️ can use photography as another art form. Spending time in museums as a teenager made me appreciate art even more. As I️ delved more into photography, I️ focused on that more than painting. In 2020, during the worldwide lockdown, I️ couldn’t go out and photograph like I️ used to. I️ began to spend hours painting, finding a new love with the paintbrush. A lot of things from my childhood shaped me into the artist I️ am today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Some struggles along the way was getting my work into exhibits. When I️ first began to submit to galleries, I️ didn’t get accepted so easily. I️ had hope and continued to submit until I️ got accepted after countless “no’s” and “unfortunately.” Having my work up in galleries for everyone to see in person feels so special and human.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Even though I️ started painting before I️ picked up a camera, I’m mostly known for my photography. When it came to painting, I️ usually never knew what to paint until an idea struck that I️ should use my photographs as a reference to paint. This how I️ found a balance between the two mediums. I️ think I’m most proud of my painting. Seeing my progress is extremely beautiful to witness since I’ve been painting and drawing as a kid.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Build relationships and find your tribe. It’s our human nature to lift each other up. Finding other creative friends and bonding with them allowed me to express myself even more as I️ do the same for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: 504degrees.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trenityjthomas/
- Other: https://www.ferrarashowman.com/artists/trenity-thomas
Image Credits
Andre’ Hubbard
Paola Beltre
Maya Perez
BFRESH
