Vonecia Carswell (Interview)
Who are you? I am Vonecia Carswell. I call myself a creative superwoman. I am passionate about exploring all that life has to offer, creating enriching experiences everyday for myself and loved ones. I value family, faith, fun, effective communication and being a listening ear, among others. I am an independent photographer and currently teach 4th grade reading.
What is purpose to you? Purpose means immersing yourself in things in which you can activate your gifts and uplift others, and it consistently brings you joy, even through challenging times.
Have you found your purpose? I believe I have identified my purpose — the gift of storytelling, particularly to uplift women — but I don't believe I am fully walking in it. My eyes are on the prize though!
How is your purpose reflected in your art? Purpose is reflected in my art through the subjects that I capture, by focusing in on the small or hidden moments, and highlighting the details.
If you could describe your art would you? And if you would, what would you say? I would say my art is joyous, intimate, empowering and accessible.
What inspires you? Cliche, but I try to find inspiration in everything I encounter. When I am inspired by something, I feel like I can learn something from it because I'm a very optimistic and resourceful person. But if I had to choose, a few specific things that inspire me are youth. My students and my niece and nephew continue to push my thinking about life. I am also inspired by the outdoors. Every once in a while, I'll opt to walk instead of catching the bus or train, or even something as simple as walking on the other side of the street where I can stumble upon new things.
What drives you to do what you do? My passion for creating generational wealth and happiness inspires what I do.
Why did you start making art?
I started making art as a way to express myself. I was generally pretty reserved growing up and was known as "the quiet girl," so being an artist compensated for that. Immersing myself in creative outlets helped me communicate loud and proud, expressing myself far beyond words. It also allowed me to connect more closely with others, foster community, and help others experience joy. My first memories of dabbling into visual storytelling was in my pre-teens. My grandparents always had a video camera around to document us growing up. I enjoyed gathering around in my grandparents' den to relive the hilarious, joyous and comforting moments, and I wanted to continue to create those moments. So you can say it rubbed off of me, especially during large family gatherings. In one of the videos, you can hear me following my grandma around and repeating, "Grandma, can I hold it?!" [the video camera].
What about the art you make allows you to be who you are?
I consider myself a very happy and personable person. Like, I am so chill, and I think that shows through my work, allowing me to create more comfortable experiences for others and capture genuine portraits of people.
Is there something you cannot live without in your tool kit?
I am in love with my 85mm lens. (Thanks, grandma! She helped me purchase it a couple years back.)
What would you tell your thirteen-year-old self?
I'd tell my 13-year-old self to not hold back and speak up more.
What would you tell your 60-year-old self?
I'd tell my 60-year-old self to keep living it up and pass it on.
Other than art, what else are you passionate about?
Ehhh, I feel like everything I do revolves around art. But I am also passionate about dancing. It's so freeing. I love traveling, where I can expand my knowledge of the world and other cultures. I also love competitive activities, too (like playing pool and volleyball), although I haven't found too many opportunities to participate in them — hit me up if you hear of anything.
Anything you would like to leave us with? (Words of wisdom, advise, etc.)
Life is meant to be lived. As you navigate through its peaks and valleys, continue to ask yourself, "What can I do to give me more life?"
How important is a space like late fee magazine?
Late Fee Magazine is extremely important. It occupies a meaningful space in media and beyond. I love that it provides an uninhibited space for artists of color to express themselves. I've often felt restricted growing up in the world as a Black woman, and it is liberating to have this platform to be able to share my thoughts and speak my truth through art.
