Kristin Farmer Imagination Fund Application — Ladies in Full Bloom

Artist statement

Ladies in Full Bloom is a watercolor portrait collection that celebrates Black women by portraying them enveloped in intricate floral arrangements. Each piece will reflect the multifaceted nature of Black women—their beauty, strength, and resilience—through a lens of whimsy and fantasy. The goal is to inspire viewers, particularly Black women, to see themselves in a space of joy and possibility, free from societal scrutiny. This project also serves as a personal challenge. During a 30-day creative sprint, I will complete eight expressive watercolor portraits. While I am familiar with capturing the female form through figurative art, this sprint will help me refine my portraiture skills, specifically focusing on facial structure and proportions, using a stylized brushstroke. The floral elements will act as both a symbolic and artistic device, representing growth and resilience.