on view
ON VIEW at Sip & Sonder showcases the work of different visual artists from the community on our artist wall. Check out some of our featured artists below!
april 2024
JASMINE “JASSIEUO” DURHAL
Sankofa
On view in Inglewood
Jasmine “Jassieuo” Durhal, a Detroit-born photographer now based in Los Angeles, has made a mark with her vibrant work featured in renowned publications like Vogue and Essence. Her unique visual style, characterized by electric, colorful hues, has garnered attention and collaborations with industry giants like Facebook, Nike, and Shea Moisture. Beyond capturing images, Jassieuo fosters deep connections with her subjects, particularly women, celebrating their essence through passion, strength, empathy, and spirituality. Her innovative approach captures internal and external dichotomies, inviting viewers to explore diverse worlds and connect with the powerful narratives woven into her visual language.
Jassieuo's "Sankofa" exhibit explores the inner world of black women, touching on personal struggles and the search for authenticity. Durhal showcases braid art and clothing to prompt reflection on reclaiming forgotten aspects of the self. Central to the exhibit is the term "Sankofa," which challenges taboos around revisiting the past. Durhal's own travels to Cuba, Guadalupe Mexico, and Egypt inform her creations, echoing the mantra, "Sankofa, take us back to get back," celebrating black beauty and inviting viewers on a journey through time.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to photo@jassieuo.com
march 2024
TESHA SMITH
The Art of Refuge
On view in Inglewood
LA native, Tesha Smith, discovered her passion for art at a young age. She found that creating art was a way to express herself and connect with others, regardless of their background or experiences. As she honed her skills, she also became increasingly aware of the lack of representation for minority artists in the art world.
For Tesha, creating art is a deeply personal and spiritual experience. She feels a connection to the source of creativity that transcends words and language. Through her various mediums including oil pastel, watercolor, and acrylic on canvas art, she aims to capture the complex emotions and experiences that come with being a human being on planet earth and to advocate for greater diversity in the art world.
“The Art of Refuge" is not just a collection of artworks; it is a sanctuary, crafted from the depths of the artist's being. Art has always been Tesha’s refuge, her therapy, her safe place–a home away from home where her spirit finds solace. Within these pieces, you will find the echoes of the places she has travelled to, the landscapes that inspired and calmed her restless soul. More than just a visual diary of her journeys, this collection is a testament to the profound connections she feels to God, the universe, her angels, and spirit animals. Each brushstroke, each color, each form is imbued with the energy of these divine connections, inviting you to experience them alongside her. In the midst of creating these works, she found healing and a sense of belonging within the mysteries of art. It is her hope that as you immerse yourself in "The Art of Refuge," you too will find solace, inspiration, and a home within the beauty.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to artbytsmith@gmail.com
february 2024
BYRON L. EDWARDS
The Minstrel Show
On view in Inglewood
Using oil paints, pastels and bold colors, Byron L. Edwards creates abstract and figurative art that addresses stigmas, stereotypes and historical narratives. His work explores social and racial dynamics that foster dialogue around cultured experiences. The canvas is his passage to advocacy and resistance.
The nine-piece series, “The Minstrel Show,” delves into the intersection of Black culture and American media, examining the historical coon caricatures from the mid-1800s. Focused on Sambo, a prominent descriptor in early 1900s, notably from "Uncle Tom’s Cabin," the series explores the evolution of Coon caricature. Illustrating the stereotypes perpetuated over the past 200 years, the series investigates the complex relationship between American media and the representation of Black culture.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to hello@byronledwards.com
january 2024
MADISON ELAINE
Black Boy Joy 2020
On view in Inglewood
Madison Elaine is a photographer, film producer, and urban farmer raised in Pasadena and based in Chicago, called in by the city’s connection to art, activism, and food justice. Her most notable project is “Black Boy Joy 2020, “an ongoing photo series that showcases the diversity of Black men and boys through stories, places, and moments of joy. She is currently selling greeting and affirmation cards inspired by the collection to raise funds for a climate activists training program on the beautiful island of St. Vincent – where she will spend six months building backyard gardens for families in their community.
The “Black Boy Joy 2020 Photo Series” by Madison Elaine showcases vibrant images of Black men and boys from various cities. The aim is to break the false perception of Black men being dangerous to society created by the media. This false perception that Black men are inherently criminal has rapidly expanded the prison population. The photos capture the organic joy of each participant in a location of their choice.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to blackboyjoy.info@gmail.com
september 2023
HEATHER PRESHA
Joy of Life
On View in Inglewood
Heather Lee Presha, an abstract artist from South LA, took to the blank page in 2022 as a stress reliever from the busy world of real estate. Inspired by her teenage son, who taught her how to mix and use colors, Heather was able to find Joy in Life and an incredible sense of peace. She manifested these creative images from the depths of her soul, with no formal training and in hopes that they all will inspire and engage all art enthusiasts worldwide.
“After years of grinding as a business owner, I missed lots of life moments happening around me. Art allowed me to remember the joys of life that surround us, and to remember the importance of tapping back into my happiness. What you see here is what’s in my heart and soul---nature, sunshine, and joy. As a Pisces, I am very intuitive, have a very keen connection to the spirit world, and feel like my brushes and pens are sometimes guided by other forces. Some of my "peaces" are seen in my dreams, while some evolve from dots on a blank page. Ultimately, like life, the end result is uncertain. I just continue with what brings me joy and through it all I intend to create happiness for others.” - Heather Presha
Please direct purchasing inquiries to imheatherp@gmail.com
august 2023
KYLE ALEXANDER MEEKS
DEVELOP
On view in Inglewood
Kyle Alexander Meeks is best known for high-contrast Black & White photography, and, more recently, experiments in mixed media collage. His work intertwines philosophical concepts and esoteric symbolism merged with natural elements grounding the surreal with the organic. Often depicting human forms constructed from cut paper, paint, and found items, he sources his material from his 10-year photographic archive, vintage magazines, and his personal collection of plants aka "The Grass Menagerie." At his best, Kyle is a conduit for authentic expression; connected to nature, connected to art, ready to draw from the unlimited inspiration of the divine spark.
This immersive exhibit invites you to be inspired by the power of incremental change to unlock the boundless potential of human creativity. It is a celebration of the profound parallels between artistic development and personal growth. Explore how the artist's creative voice has evolved over a decade with multiple disciplines ranging from photography and film to collage and poetry. Each piece is a prayer made material - a reminder of our daily opportunity to develop.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to kyle@meeksmedia.com
july 2023
DENISE ‘DELASNP’ COKE
Dimensions of Liberation
On view in Inglewood
Award-winning creative director Denise ‘deLaSNP’ Coke is a Caribbean American augmented reality and digital artist and owner of $NP Designs. Born in Jamaica, Queens, New York, she currently resides in Southern California. Denise’s artistic journey began at the age of 2, sketching in books throughout her home. She holds a certificate in Fashion Design from HSFI, a BFA in Graphic Design from the Shintaro Akatsu School of Design at the University of Bridgeport, and studied abroad at Hanyang University in South Korea.
Denise is renowned for her immersive augmented reality art show, "A Decade of Dimensions," showcased nationwide. She has also created commissioned pieces for esteemed organizations such as The Madison Square Garden Company, Upwork, The University of Bridgeport, NYC Department of Education, Nike, and Google. Her work spans internationally, with exhibitions in Puerto Rico, South Korea, and Australia.
With "Dimensions of Liberation: Exploring Black Femininity, Escapism, and Caribbean Culture through Augmented Reality,” artist Denise 'deLaSNP' Coke blends technology and storytelling, immersing you in her upbringing and diverse influences. Using an AR app, one just needs to hold up their phone to activate each digital artwork, revealing vibrant narratives from Jamaican, Grenadian, New York, and California experiences. Witness the hope in the eyes of Black children, while exploring themes of resilience and a brighter future. Join her on this transformative journey, where liberation and cultural celebration intertwine in a mesmerizing fusion of art and technology.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to info@delasnp.com
june 2023
TESHA SMITH
Reflections of a Colorful Mind
On view in Inglewood
South Central LA native, Tesha Smith, discovered her passion for art at a young age. She found that creating art was a way to express herself and connect with others, regardless of their background or experiences. As she honed her skills, she also became increasingly aware of the lack of representation for minority artists in the art world.
For Tesha, creating art is a deeply personal and spiritual experience. She feels a connection to the source of creativity that transcends words and language. Through her acrylic on canvas art, she aims to capture the complex emotions and experiences that come with being a human being on planet earth and to advocate for greater diversity in the art world.
“Reflections of a Colorful Mind” is an uplifting art exhibit that celebrates black art, spirituality, nature, and positive affirmations. The artist draws inspiration from their community and spirituality to create colorful pieces that offer an escape from the anxieties of the outside world. Alongside vibrant black art and nature-inspired pieces, the exhibit also features positive affirmations and spiritual mantras that inspire and uplift the soul. Come and immerse yourself in this celebration of creativity and positivity.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to artbytsmith@gmail.com
may 2023
Gifted
On view in Inglewood
JAIMIE MILNER
Jaimie Milner is an artist who wields her camera to capture, empower, and inspire the human spirit. With portraiture as her primary medium, Milner’s work is focused on creating change in the world by opening people’s minds to the inherent vulnerability that exists inside us all. Milner’s work has been seen throughout Los Angeles at various galleries, including Residency Art Gallery and the Kinsey Collection “Continuum” exhibit at Sofi Stadium.
Milner’s debut book, “Gifted,” is the culmination of her ten-year journey documenting Black men—a journey that began in the basement of Walt Disney Studios when she was an intern. After becoming a reference for ‘Tiana,’ the Black princess in Disney’s “Princess and the Frog,” Milner quickly realized her prince was not Black, giving rise to an internal conversation about how Black men are portrayed in the media. "I didn’t see people like my father and friends reflected anywhere in the media,” said Milner. “I wanted to show that these men exist—men that cared, that were smart.” Through unseen black and white images, full-length interviews, and thought-provoking perspectives, “Gifted” shares the dreams, the fears, and the voices of 40 remarkable Black men in the arts, business, politics, and finance. “Gifted” pushes past the myths and stereotypes and allows Black men to speak for themselves and express their vulnerability via Milner’s artistic lens, reminding Black men of the undeniable talent and influence they possess.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to jaimie@thegiftedproject.org
april 2023
Pilipinas
On View in Inglewood
BLAISE ORMOND
Blaise Ormond is a multidisciplinary artist whose passion is creating and promoting tangible, analog art in the digital age.
Pilipinas is a collection of 110 film photographs taken by Blaise on a recent trip to his mother’s homeland, the Philippines. This collection focuses on the duality of paradise: the natural beauty of the islands and the underlying realities of a “developing nation.” A selection of these images are also accompanied by handcrafted necklaces that use the negative film strips as charms.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to hello@blaiseormond.com
march 2023
Creations by Goldei
On View in Inglewood
MEAGHAN HALL
The foundation of Meaghan’s work is built around Black ideology, pulling from the past to focus our future. Through drawing, painting, writing, and sometimes photography, she wishes to convey her Black experience through the scope of a multidimensional art experience. Meaghan wishes to provoke deep thought and consideration of unfamiliar and familiar emotions; she wants to diminish any stereotypes of what anyone thinks it means to be [her] a Black artist in America. Many of the recurring styles she uses have grown and evolved, just like she has. Ultimately, they are all extensions of Meaghan Hall. Daughter, sister, aunty, friend, woman of hardships and blessings. Like many of you.
With this exhibit, Meaghan wants viewers to sense that she never wants to be a person who thinks they’re too good to be held accountable or a person without the love of community. This body of work stems from Meaghan digging deep and resurfacing with the best of herself, time and time again. Meaghan has realized that she is only as great as she is today because of her community, and hopes you can feel love, growth, and commitment to persevering through her work.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to g6ldei@gmail.com
february 2023
JAYA NICOLE
The Way My Moods Swing
On View in Inglewood
Jaya Nicole is a Los Angeles native who has always had reverence for the art that is ever present in the world. A craft that she started when she was 10 years old, capturing images with a camera has opened doors for her to see herself and the world and meet people with whom her craft resonates. Jaya loves photographing the beautiful yet fleeting moments she experiences in this life and does her best to display the fluctuation of human emotion via her Canon t3i lens.
This collection displays different human moods and expressions. Most of the images displayed were taken while living away from home, which was an extremely uncomfortable but strong teaching moment for Jaya during which she found herself and connected to her passion. She transferred the highs and lows during that time into her work. All of her moods swung her into creating. Jaya hopes that the public will resonate with the moods and expressions in her images.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to m00dyphotography22@gmail.com
january 2023
EMILY KIRKWOOD
What It Had to Be It’s Always Been
On View in Inglewood
Emily Kirkwood is a self taught painter and photographer born in Los Angeles and raised here in Inglewood. She likes to paint whatever rises to the surface for her. Emily's art started off as a therapy and, over time, developed into a challenging passion. She likes to have fun with what she does and uses the surrealistic work she produces to help her understand herself and navigate through life. Learning to accept her emotions has helped Emily transform and actualize her potential.Emily frees herself through her art, and hopes that in sharing her gifts with the world, you too will feel free.
This exhibit is an emotional reflection on the ways of existence that can only be seen with the heart. It is an emphasis on trust, safety, acceptance, grief and whatever the difference ends up being. With this exhibit, Emily aims to highlight rhythm, flaws, perfection, struggle and triumph in process, and the necessity of it all.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to Emruki@outlook.com
december 2022
J.M. POLYNICE
Ethereal
On View in Inglewood
J.M. Polynice is an artist romanced by the dance between the seen and the unseen, moved by accentuating experiences, and inspired by the nuances in the people she photographs. She believes that to contribute to the beauty of this world, one must consume it with fervor. She is passionate about creating portraiture of women; inspired by their strength, beauty, and luminosity. In her 20 years as a photographer, illuminating the richness of Black women in her images has been a beautiful privilege.
Ethereal is rooted in the idea that black women are not accorded the characteristics of what it means to truly be feminine - characteristics that are rooted in the European standard of beauty and foundational to colonialism. This exhibit is a glimpse into the inherent softness of a black woman, the delicateness she embodies that is dissonant with historical and societal notions of what a black woman is.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to love@quinnmoss.co
october 2022
ARELY HERNANDEZ
A Reflection of Love
On view in Inglewood
Arely Hernandez is a multimedia artist born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Her background in cultural anthropology and the history of art and visual culture inspires an attempt at dismantling western concepts of art, beauty, and love through visual storytelling.
"I love my child self so much and everyday I learn more and more about her. Things that I was unable to recognize before--it is helping me grow. I feel I am dispelling many beliefs I had about myself and replacing them with the correct ones. I can finally accept all of my selves deeply. It took thousands of years for me (for us) to be here and I now recognize myself as sacred. " - Arely Hernandez
Please direct purchasing inquiries to artherna@ucsc.edu
september 2022
JOELLE WILLIAMS
Joelle Williams is a 19-year-old college student majoring in Media Studies at Scripps University. Born and raised in Baldwin Hills, California, Joelle picked up film photography in her junior year of high school. She started off with 'Darker' - a series of photos capturing Black students of hers doing what it was they loved candidly, from putting on lipstick to playing the drums. This birthed Joelle's love for 'truthful' photography. Unposed and unpolished, she desires to capture the little things; seeking the humanity in others that may otherwise go unnoticed. She recently began shooting Medium Format after three years of experimenting with her 35mm camera and is excited for her continued learning in college.
This exhibit displays the early stages of a young photographer's attempt to see herself and the world around her with empathy and compassion. Shot entirely on her 35mm camera, Joelle values the fleeting moments all around her. These “scenes” occur every day–a woman waiting for her train, a man walking by a broken mirror– however, the magic lies in the fact that you were there, happened to have a camera, and clicked the shutter. These works act as proof of a variety of moments used to tell a larger story on humanity and the poetry all around us in our daily lives.
Website
Please direct purchasing inquiries to Joelletrinity@gmail.com
An Attempt at Honesty
On View in Inglewood
august 2022
DAVI DE AZEVEDO
Davi de Azevedo is a Brazilian-American photographer born in Boston, MA. He was raised in Marlborough, MA, and would make frequent trips to Minas Gerais, Brazil throughout his formidable years to visit extended family. Today, he aims to capture the essence of his Brazilian-American culture through his work, and is currently based in Inglewood, CA.
The images seen in Café were taken during Davi’s last trip to Brazil (March-April 2022), and were captured on his family’s coffee farm in Sao Francisco do Gloria, MG, Brazil. The series looks to showcase the coffee beans cultivated, while sharing the farm’s serenity.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to dazevedo.davi@gmail.com
Café
On view in Inglewood
june 2022
Conversations In L.A.
On view in Inglewood
BRYSHERE CASIANO
Bryshere is a visual artist and designer born and raised in the Bronx, New York. As a young man, art became a means of simultaneously escaping and embracing the realities of the world around him. His first introduction to art was a mural of Big Pun on 910 Rogers Place, and it was murals like this that taught him that art can evoke emotion and profoundly impact the human experience. Influenced by the murals, art, and people in his community, Bryshere drew inspiration from his surroundings while intentionally exploring subjects, cultures, and ideas far beyond the confines of his neighborhood. Bryshere’s pieces often utilize seemingly contradictory elements—unexpected colors and textures with lifelike detail and subject matter.
As seen in this exhibit, Bryshere also enjoys creating realistic, black and white pencil portraits that capture a glimpse of the people he has met from all walks of life. For Bryshere, art has always seemed like storytelling without the use of words. He continues to strive toward connecting with the world around him in unique and innovative ways; sharing a new story through every piece he creates.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to info@casianodesigns.com
may 2022
BRENNON COOPER
Brennon is a Los Angeles based artist focusing on figure painting and drawing. His work aims to bridge the gap between the traditional and the contemporary, the familiar and the new, in a way that is uniquely his own. The Majestic portraits represent the development of Brennon's technique and style over the last five years.
Please direct purchasing inquiries to brennoncooperart@gmail.com
The Majestic
A Collection of Portraits Spanning 5 Years
On view in Inglewood
feb 2020
What Inspires You?
On view in Inglewood
LADONN WILLIAMS
LaDonn Williams is an African-American photographer and cinematographer based in Inglewood, CA. His body of work revolves around storytelling and pulling contrasting emotions through each photo. As part of ON VIEW, LaDonn is exhibiting 7 photos from his Zine Book entitled, "What Inspires You?". He invites you to look past what you actually see, and find inspiration in plain view.