Artist Dawn Okoro emphasizes her eye for color, shape, and the womanly figure. Her use of shadow and light within her pieces are incredible and it brings the form of reality to her paintings with bold lines, and warmly lit colors. If you want to study color theory, just take a look at her paintings, from rich monotone reds, and greens with a splash of contrast, Dawn creates original creations that would make any room pop. Fueled by the frustration of watching her younger brother struggle with autism, Dawn decided to use her art to help children with developmental disabilities. A portion of the proceeds from Dawn’s first solo exhibition “Muse,” were donated to Thoughtful House Center for Children. Dawn Okoro continues to live and work in Austin, Texas.

Dawn shares with us the inspiration and style behind her work and what she would like to accomplish next!

ymib: What inspires the subject of your art the most, and how would you describe your style?

Dawn: I am inspired by the pop culture of the world; music, movies, fashion, etc. I am also inpired by Andy Warhol and the Pop Art movement.

ymib: What is your goal or mission as an artist...what feeling or message do you want to give?

Dawn: Most of my paintings feature strong, beautiful women. I want my work to invoke some type of feeling inside someone whether it be joy, sadness, or passion.

ymib: What have been some of the biggest challenges with being an artist, starting your own business, and promoting your work all at the same time...what advice would you give to those respectively called "starving artists"?

Dawn: One of my biggest challenges has been getting over my own fears. My best advice to "starving artists" would be to create as much art as you have time for and show it to the world in any way that you can. Don't be afraid to submit your art to groups shows as well as galleries. Aim high!

ymib: How would you like to see your art career grow and how do you want to use your artwork as inspiration for our communities?

Dawn: I hope that my audience will continue to grow over the next few years. I love using my artwork to help promote and raise money for nonprofit organizations. Thoughtful House fights for the recovery of children with developmental disorders such as autism. My first solo show helped raise money for Thoughtful House Center for Children.

My subsequent solo shows have been used as a platform to raise awareness for B.L.I.N.D.(Beautiful Love Incorporated Nonprofit Development) an nonprofit organization headed by singer Erykah Badu. B.L.I.N.D.'s mission is to help provide underprivledged children in the south Dallas, Tx area with access to arts and culture. I also look forward to collaborating with other artists in shows in the future.

ymib: In art history many of us studied the different periods and genres of the art movements...with that said, do you think the art communities of today has lost the feel of a "collective movement" per se and is more focused on individual style? Also, if you had to categorize your art within one of the past periods of art, what movement do you think your art would be in?

Dawn: I do feel that we see most contemporary art broken down into individual styles. I wouldn't be surprised if we look back at 2006 in 50 years, we may actually see collective movements that exist. I think that my art would have fit in the Pop Art movement.

ymib: What are some of your current/future projects that you would like to achieve?

Dawn: I am very excited about future shows that I have for 2007. I have a solo show in Dallas at the Dallas Theater Center. In addiotion I will be participating in the shows in New York. The first show will be at s.e.e.d. gallery in Brooklyn and the other will be at Rush Arts Gallery which is run by Donny Simmons, brother of Russells Simmons.

ymib: What do you love most about being an artist?

Dawn: My favorite part about being an artist is finding what feelings my paintings evoke from people. 5 people may see one paintings in their own way.

ymib: What is your favoirte affirmation or inspirational quote?

Dawn: "Define your own destiny." I think this may have been in a Lauryn Hill

song.

ymib: What is your most memorable moment while being an artist thus far?

Dawn: My most memorable moment was my first solo art opening in August 2005. I was so afraid that no one would show up. Thankfully, it turned out fine.