Shalette Cauley-Wandrick

Question: How did your art career begin?
Answer: My career began at a young age drawing traditional art. I became a graphic art specialist about 15 years ago. I began creating animations and traditional design work. Because I’m more of a visual person I like drawing designs that are different and people originate, like Madam CJ Walker In the educationally school system most people talk about the same African Americans who've achieved historical accomplishment. Most individual don't know there are a plethoras of other individual that have contributed to the history of African American accomplishments. Especially the school systems, they only encourage student to write essays on the same well known inventors, poets, and famous people. Some children and adults have not heard of Madam CJ Walker. Madam CJ Walker was a strong positive woman very active in her community. As an inventor and tycoon Madam CJ Walker encourage other African American woman to start their own business, so they to can achieve their goals.

Question: How old were you when you knew this was the field for you?
Answer: Well I’ve always loved to draw. However, when I was in high school there wasn't a great demand for artists. So I decided to go into the computer field because I’ve always had an interest in computers. When I was around twenty-four they came out with creating art on computers. That’s when I decided I wanted to seek a career in graphic designs.

Question: Who or what influenced you?
Answer: I saw a commercial about becoming a graphic designer. I found this type od work interesting and I wanted to persuade it. So my husband and I took my work to Brown Institute Design School. It was there I got confirmation that my work was good and I was accepted to attend.

So I would have to say my husband was my strength, the one that push me to decide to go on and become an graphic artist.

Question: When deciding on a new project what inspires you?
Answer: First it has to be something that's educational, and professional. I want person to be draw into the designs so they can form their own opinion of what they see in the design.

When I created layouts for my clients I want them to be happy. I want their design to look just like they envisioned it but better, more eye catching. I’m known for using bright colors and creating designs that are round. I believe round edges are friendlier, instead of creating more square designs that have pointed edges.

Question: Tell us a little bit more about the Madam CJ Walker and why you picked her for this particular piece.
Answer: Madame CJ Walker was the first Afro America Millionaire and entrepreneur. She built her first emperor by developing hair products for Afro America woman. Madam CJ Walker inspired alot of black woman because of her success. Fully recognized for her wealth and success, her lectures at the NAACP empower other women to start their own business. I came up with the idea of doing this from the 1974 black exploitation film classic call the Black God Farther, starring Ron Perry, JJ. I thought maybe this is what Madam CJ Walker probably would have been when she was the head of her emperor. I know the movie is about drugs but he was trying to get rid of the drugs in his community. And that’s what inspired me to do this piece.

Question: Do you think this piece is a little controversial?
Answer: Yes I do. Madam CJ Walker was more positive than the movie is. I think by her name being Madam and being a God mother people would look at her in a different light, not as a mob figure.

Question: What would you like us to learn from the Madam CJ Walker piece?
Answer: I would like for attendees to say, oh I didn’t know about her. I would like for it to encourage them to look at other famous Afro American inventors, poets, and other famous people they didn’t hear or learn about in school. I want to broaden their horizons and encourage them to learn more.

Lmh Mag strongly recommends the Freedom Fighters Exhibits: it’s edgy, controversial, and a wealth of historical knowledge.

The Freedom Fighter Exhibition is open to the public for viewing between June 12 thru July 19, 2009. ArtCenter / South Florida 800 Lincoln Road Miami Beach, FL 33139