Artist & Illustrator Marjorie Borgella captures the essence of culture and life through rich color, and family imagery, all mixed with swirls of energy and personality. The illustrator for the childrens book "Never Finished, Never Done" talks to us about her style, her passion, and her bookcover:

Marjorie: Yes Lioness is a greeting, a phrase and term of respect to a strong Black Woman.

ymib.com: What mediums do you frequently use the most and what other mediums or styles of art are you interested in experiencing with or or learning more about ?

Marjorie: I use many different mediums mainly acrylics but also watercolor, pastels, cut paper collage and pen & ink.

ymib.com: What is the overall message that you would like to send to the people who view or wear your artwork...what is the mission of your art?

Marjorie: I am not really trying to convey a message to people in my art, I paint because I love to paint and I share it because people ask me too. I feel that my style and subject matter speak to people in personal ways and that is enough for me.

ymib.com: What cultures and regions of the world inspire the subject matter of your pieces and why do you think you gain inspiration from these areas?

Marjorie: I am inspired by Africa, and the Caribbean mostly I love bright colors and striking contrasts, The shapes and colors of those regions already look like paintings to me.

Marjorie: Well I was displaying my art at The DanceAfrica street festival and the author, Regina, noticed my work and told me that some of my work would lend itself to children’s book illustration very easily. She also explained that she was looking for an artist do illustrate her book. We kept in touch and not too long after we made it happen. It was wonderful to see my work published because I loved the story and felt that my work was going to be seen by children for many years to come. Completing the book was challenging because the deadline was a little tight and it was my first book so I really wanted it to be great. In the end it worked out though and many parents have told me that “Never Finished, Never Done” is their child’s favorite book. They identify with the pictures and that’s a great thing to me.

Marjorie: The real tip is to get a literary agent. That will help you to get work and also negotiate contracts. The second tip is to think about self publishing, it’s a real option and you will have total freedom and control.

ymib.com: 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 repectively called "starving artists"?

Marjorie: Well it’s really tough at times because I wear a lot of hats so I am responsible for things right or wrong. But I didn’t plan all of this all I did was paint and as people saw things started to happen and opportunities appeared. The best advice I have is to just practice your craft, put it out there to see if people respnd and then take the necessary steps to make it happen, no matter how long it takes. If you Love it, share it.

ymib.com: How do you come up with the personalites & imagery of your characters?

Marjorie: I am inspired by the creator, everyday people, fashion, other artists, books, petry and music.

Marjorie: Really I am just inspired by my own thoughts and other people. I am an artist and I want to see some of my visions out in the world, so I paint them. I don’t get to paint as often as I would like because I run Yes Lioness now but the desire to paint alone will keep me painting, and the response is a bonus.

ymib.com: Besides painting, in what other ways do you enjoy using your creative energy?

Marjorie: I love to read, a good conversation is a great outlet for me to hear and share ideas. I also write sometimes.

Marjorie: One of my favorite quotes is a Zen phrase:“ How can the Drops of Water know themselves To Be a River?”