Olivia Powers, photograph by Chris Certion (IG: @chriscertion15)
Artistic Style: I would say my style includes and looks very Black, bold, mixed media, impactful, texturied, grainy, with a street twist.
Hometown: Southaven, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee
How long have you lived in Oxford? About three years
Early art experience: From an early age, I’ve been drawing and doodling, trying to mimic still life and get good at realism. I even had a little business going on drawing for people whether it was for a project or personal drawings in middle school.
Favorite visual artists: Kerri James Marshall, Brad Mead, Wendy Barrett, Werner Bronkhorst, Anthony Hurd … I could go on honestly.
Art school? I’m currently a student at the University of Mississippi for Graphic Design.
Favorite book or author: Talia Hibbert’s The Brown Sisters Trilogy
Favorite quote: “Pledge” by Jehanne Dubrow. It’s a beautiful poem that reminds me of my partner and a reminder to keep choosing your love everyday!
Do you work out of a studio? I have a home studio and access to the school studio.
How many hours do you spend in your studio daily? The question is, how many hours don’t I spend in the studio. It’s honestly my home.
Most productive hours? I’m a night owl/early bird. When the world is asleep, that’s when you can catch me awake!
Favorite project you’ve completed: My most recent painting included graffiti, which I LOVED!
What are three ideas you want to explore in art: The Black Experience, Queerness, and Feminism
Where can we see some of your art on display? I try to put my art on Instagram,but I haven’t been the best at consistently posting on it though. @Dablueprintstudios
Do you have a “day job”? If so, where? I work on Campus at the IdeaLab
Favorite music/bands: Right now, NeoSoul and R&B have been my go-to, so Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Alex Isley, Lucky Daye.
What are some of your other hobbies? Going to the park, the gun range, traveling to other cities for a quick getaway, hanging with my partner and friends.
Where do you hang out in Oxford? Honestly, I hang out at Lamar Park or at home. This semester has been kicking my rear end, and I like to be in nature or at home to ground myself or just relax.
Aspirations: I aspire to be a lifelong learner, a futures trader, and a creative! I just want to live free without the pressures of capitalism.
