Today we’d like to introduce you to Bayou Bay.
Hi Bayou, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m the artist and designer behind the Affirmation Space art installation. I started as a designer and as my community connections grew so did my art. I now do murals, woodworking, and art installations, and bring folks out into nature with the centered themes of affirmations, nature, and healing.
Spending time on the river, around Black theater artists, and organizers have helped me see that we need more Black art healing spaces and that’s what I am on a mission to create.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Freelance art hasn’t been the smoothest road, but I am happier here on this road than any other.
Affirmation Space was a temporary installation, but we had an eight-month run in the Northrup King Building with part of that time being installed at Public Functionary. Now the goal is to figure out the ways Affirmation Space can be a traveling exhibition in the short term with a long-term goal of becoming a permanent space.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an artist, I like to describe myself as a weaver of portals and peoples. My art is as much about weaving with string as much as it is about weaving people together.
Through the Affirmation Space art installation, I bring people together around unique art and experiences. I think what sets me apart is the unique art that I create. I often include mirrors in my art and create pieces called Affirmation Mirrors.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Spending time in nature is the biggest help in life for me. Being on the river, journaling, and walking in the woods are what’s most important to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: affirmationspace.com
- Instagram: @affirmationspace
Image Credits
Uche Iroegbu Photographic
