Whitney Austin is transcending the art scene in Charlotte, North Carolina. Born and raised in Columbus Ohio, Whitney has always had a vivid imagination and a knack for creativity. We got to catch up with her and learn more about her latest business venture and how her art has been inspired by her upbringing as a Black woman.
Tell us a little about your life growing up. Where were you born and raised? How do you feel that affects your views on social justice?
I am originally from Columbus Ohio. I was raised in a middle-class neighborhood with both parents- and so I was very fortunate to gain the experiences & knowledge of what it’s like being a black man and black woman in America. My father has always been an entrepreneur- he has had his own janitorial cleaning business for decades now. I recall growing up watching him put on a suit & tie to go meet the owners of buildings- in hopes for my father to acquire a new account for his business. I remember many times him telling me that he would have to act like the “salesman” for his own business versus the actual owner- because the companies that he was meeting wouldn’t want to hire his company if they knew that he was the owner (a black man). I was so young back then, but even as a young child I understood then that it’s not about your knowledge, success, or even great service…but the fact that some people just get so stuck on our skin color that they won’t offer an opportunity. Now as a grown black woman with my own business as a visual artist- I still see the exact same struggles & lack of acceptance. Regardless of the value we bring to the world, our color is unfortunately the only thing they decide to see.
What made you pick up the paint brush specifically for the George Floyd painting that has now been seen nationally? What emotion were you feeling?
My George Floyd painting “Bloodline of Injustice”, I created immediately after he was murdered in 2020. It was the overwhelming anger and frustration I felt by watching the video of him pleading for his life, encouraging me to express my pain by honoring him and others before him that have also been murdered by the police. The painting captures both the riots & protests, to represent both sides of fury and faith. Some of us want to bring the city down, while others want a peaceful march…however either way we are TIRED and coming together to use our voices.
We hear you have a new warehouse. Congratulations! Tell us all about it.
I am at the brink of a new page in my entrepreneurial journey- expanding my printing operations is next! Over the last 5 years I have been printing my artwork in-house with my popular $28 sales…and without the last month my sales have tripled. We are now printing over 1300 orders a month! I am so grateful for the amazing support that I receive from my followers- it has allowed me to further invest in my business by purchasing more printers and next will be a warehouse to print & process in! Very excited for this next step with a larger space and hiring more staff…I couldn’t do it without my fans and God!! I am just beyond grateful.
You have an upcoming youth painting class. How important is it for children to be able to express themselves through art?
As a child, me expressing myself was so extremely important, it allowed me to use my imagination and create my own world. Making art is so therapeutic and provides so much peace and comfort…many children can benefit from simply picking up a pencil or crayon to vent through art. I plan to have children paint classes in a few months to encourage them to explore their own gifts, have fun, and most importantly inspire them! They can be a full-time artist and paint as vivid as their heart desires!
Where can our readers connect with you online? (Social media, website etc.)
Supporting my business is a huge blessing and I am so grateful! My website is www.Whitneyaustin.com , my FB business page is Whitney Austin Collection, and my IG is @whitney_austin .
