Sequoyah Burke-Combs
Art for me is a colorful journey of harmonizing light and shadow, trauma and triumph. This is the raw expression of my feelings, vision and experiences. For me, life is a beautiful woven tapestry of love and hardship that is made whole only in the acceptance of all its parts. This passion is trauma informed and inspired. Art took root in my life at the age of four when I began sketching ghosts and angels after my mother’s suicide; art was and still is a tool to communicate and process what words could not and is the language of my subconscious and soul beyond.
These creations are traditional mixed media, shamelessly vibrant with emphasized lines that display emotive subjects that favor abstract surrealism. A majority of works are made with acrylics, marker and pen but I also make digital art as well as screen print and design apparel for my business Canvas Collective. I am self taught with no formal training and rely on my intuition, visions, meticulous observation and rough references to construct unique compositions of what I perceive. Artists that I admire and study include Frida Khalo, Bansky, Salvador Dali, Basquiat, Leonardo DaVinci and my nieces.
.My artwork depicts that which is contrasting or different and bridges it through color, emotion and space. Viewers witness beautiful compositions of grief, hardship and solitude with softness, growth, and support with topics ranging from the abstract to philosophical and spiritual. Content can include combinations of flowers, eyes, human form and water in expressive gestures and symbolic contexts that generate visceral feelings for the viewer.
Life for me began with difficulty but I was not only afforded a loving family and friends but also the gift of creation which brings me joy and acts as a service to inspire and support others. Sports and two years of professionally rugby were also a great blessing and I am grateful for all the people and experiences yet I know my greatest impact is beyond the field as an artist and breathwork instructor. Through visual art and mindful practice I dedicate efforts to explore my shadow and reclaim my whole and believe that through my authenticity, vulnerability and sharing of these processes I can encourage others to discover their full expression in whatever form it takes.
I’ve always been excitedly curious about the full spectrum of experience as I feel every moment is as an opportunity to evolve, there is beauty even in our scars, and if our branches are to reach for the light we must also be balanced and grow in the darkness.