The events of the past week have exposed a grim reality to the world - that racial injustice is still alive and well, and we all have work to do. My heart and mind has been opened to the pain and suffering that an entire community of people experience on a daily basis. I am making efforts to diversify, support, engage and donate to the African American community as a way to continue the momentum that we have seen towards equality. I believe in Inclusion - that everyone is welcomed, regardless of what they look like, where they come from, who they love, or what they believe. While there is so much more to be done, I refuse to let that paralyze my efforts towards change. A quote by Desmond Tutu has been circulating Instagram and it is a wonderful reminder that actions are critical: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

While my usual “Designer Spotlight” blog post focuses on a single designer who has incorporated my artwork in their projects, this blog is different. Below is a list of Interior Designers and Artists of Color who bring beauty to our world. I have regrettably never worked with any of the below firms or artisans. I’ve learned that in order to change that, I must reach out, introduce myself and look for opportunities to work with a more diverse range of creatives. This is a goal that I have for my business and so I’d like to shine my “Designer Spotlight” on this group today.

I am grateful for resources like Black Interior Designers Network and Black Artists + Designers Guild who have led me to so many Creatives of Color in the Design Industry.

I would like to encourage you to follow the above networks for even more designers and artists, as well as following the below linked accounts on Instagram. I have linked their accounts for you to click & follow directly from this post. I would also like to remind you of the importance of supporting each person by sharing their work, reposting and tagging their photos and commenting on their posts. These are simple ways we can show up and encourage diversity in our own feeds, and continued steps forward are so important. For more information on why this is helpful, I have linked a great video by Shavonda Gardner here.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS

ARTISTS

One last note- I watched “A Message to the ‘Art World’” video from Spencer Evans on Instagram last week and it was a great reminder to give credit to those who have influenced you. As an artist, so many have inspired my work. One of my most popular Canvas With Movement® tapestry designs and the inspiration for one of my new rugs is titled “Hendrix” and was created while listening to the one and only Jimi Hendrix. As I worked in the studio listening to his brilliant guitar riffs, the freedom in his music inspired a much more organic and free flowing tapestry design. You have definitely seen me share my most popular design on Instagram and you can see it here too. Inspiration comes in so many forms, and I know the African American culture is a deep pool of inspiration for so many. I hope the above designers and artists will inspire you as they have inspired me.

-LW