I have always been an artist. As a little girl, I would paint seashells from my grandma’s backyard, turning them into earrings, and create intricate designs on my Etch A Sketch. Seeing my love for art, my mom nurtured my creativity, enrolling me in different summer programs to help me grow.
But in 2011, when I lost my mom, my art came to a halt. I only picked up a paintbrush once, to design a few shirts for my dance team, before putting it down again. She left me her art supplies, but I couldn't bring myself to use them. Then, during the pandemic, something beautiful happened. I decided to return to my art, and to my surprise, my mom’s paints were still fresh, as if waiting for me. I had completely forgotten I had them, yet they were right there, ready—just like she always was for me.
In 2021, I founded 327 Gifted Designs to share my artwork at vending events across Chicago, including the Uptown Art Walk, the Black Girls Art Show, CBOF, and my own township, Calumet Park. The number 327 is my tribute to my mom, a way to carry her with me in everything I create. I know she, along with so many others, would be proud to see me continuing what I love.
One of my greatest joys is witnessing people’s reactions to my artwork—the curiosity, the conversations, the inspiration it sparks. My dream has always been, and always will be, to see my work displayed in homes, offices, banks, airports, and galleries worldwide. On my vision board, I’ve written my name: Janae V. Henry, International Artist.And I believe, one day, I’ll see it come true.
Selah.