Creating art has been an intrinsic part of my being for as long as I can remember. While my artistic path has varied, coming from a long line of storytellers and educators has contributed to my desire to visually tell stories. By using painting and printmaking as a vehicle to create, I am able to speak on race, culture and the disruption of societal norms, as well as fulfill my desire to portray black figures as more than monolithic creatures.

     Oftentimes, I go back in forth between my painting and printmaking practice, sometimes combining both elements in my work. While my paintings use a lot of bold, vibrant color, my linocuts tend to be black and white, and full of a lot of texture and pattern. However, the themes are often parallel and the usage of strong figures can be seen throughout both mediums.

     Although my styles and techniques sometimes vary, I consistently come back to using black figures and my experience as an African American woman as inspiration for my work.  No matter what I create, the thought is to share the beauty of blackness as well as to spark conversation. Creating visual voices for the people in my community while giving them the permission to unapologetically take up space.

Elise Kendrick

Elise Kendrick
$2,500.00

Hunter Monroe, 2023

Acrylic on canvas, fabric, plastic, ink on rice paper

24 x 36 inches   

Elise Kendrick
$2,500.00

Beautiful Human, 2023

Acrylic on canvas, fabric, plastic, ink on rice paper

24 x 36 inches   

“Experiment. Don’t limit yourself to one thing. There are countless ways to express your thoughts through art. The sky’s the limit, and the only one holding you back is yourself.”

elise kendrick