Meet Daphné Essiet | Multidisciplinary Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daphné Essiet and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daphné, what are you inspired by?
My different collections reflect my multidimensionality and my unshaken sense of self-belonging. In other words, I feel strongly about listening to my gut when it comes to creating – from visual art to music and poetry.

My abstract work is inspired by the bright and lively works of artists like Alma Thomas, Hilma af Klint, Minnie Evans, and Beatriz Milhazes, I employ vibrant colors, repetition, and energetic patterns to mimic the balance between life’s simplicity and complexity. By infusing my imagery with a sense of joy and love, my work invites viewers to heal by connecting with those qualities in themselves. My abstract work was born of my own desire for harmony and a healing meditative practice to manage chronic stress and the weight of institutional sexism and racism.

My figurative work is inspired by Love, Womanhood, Travels, Self-Discovery, & Social Justice.

I aim to inspire others to follow the beat of their own drums.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a multi-passionate artist. I express myself through different medium, such as writing poetry, painting abstract + illustrative work, as well as singing and playing ukulele.

In the past I had been conditioned to think success meant fitting within certain boxes. Although I felt content, it neither made me feel happy nor fulfilled. At first, it was difficult to grief old beliefs, and necessary to grow, but ultimately a relief to finally walk my destined path. I am still learning and hope to keep on doing the things I love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am new to Florida, and not very familiar with the state – but if my best friend was to visit me, we would definitely go on a road trip adventure from south to north and try to hit all the nature spot and beaches such as Naples, Sanibel Island, and the everglades.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my Sisterhood. Praise my sister-friends – my ionic bonding tribe – my A team – for believing even though I hesitate, for encouraging even when I am about to vacate, for noticing even when I’m passing into oblivion. Appreciative – such a weak term to qualify my overwhelmingly supportive network.

Website: https://daphne-essiet-illustrations.myshopify.com/

Instagram: @daphnneessiet + @larenaissancefemme

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphneessiet/

Twitter: @daphnemiaessiet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaphneEssiet/

Youtube: http://bit.ly/2skh2Rt

Other: Mailing List: http://bit.ly/gn Saatchi: https://www.saatchiart.com/daphneessiet Blog: https://fgibk.com/ Portfolio: https://daphnemiaessiet.myportfolio.com/ Poetry Book: amzn.to/2M99x7z Notebooks: https://amzn.to/3lOmeEM