Shakia Williams
About the Artist
This fabric portrait was created by an artist whose creative journey spans multiple disciplines and decades. Their first fascination was fashion design in high school, until all their designs disappeared. This setback led them to explore interior design, which then shifted to fine art encompassing painting, drawing, sculpture, crafts, and jewelry.
A graduate of Michigan State University with a BFA earned in 1974, the artist moved to California and taught art for one year before deciding to pursue another credential in Special Education Communication Handicapped. They dedicated 30 years to teaching special education while still incorporating art into their career as much as possible, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to both creativity and education.
Some time ago, they learned quilting and fabric portraits, truly enjoying the creative aspect as much as the other art forms they've practiced over the years. Their creative level never stops escalating, and this textile portrait represents the latest evolution in a remarkable artistic journey that has spanned fashion, interior design, fine arts, education, and now fabric portraiture.
About the Subject
This portrait depicts Shakia Williams, Mrs. Annie's niece, celebrating family connections and honoring the bonds that unite us across generations. The work represents not just a family member, but the enduring relationships and wisdom passed down through family lines, preserving memories and stories through the art of fabric portraiture.
About the Artwork
This textile portrait brings together the artist's decades of experience across multiple art forms—from fashion design and interior design to painting, sculpture, and crafts. The piece demonstrates how their BFA training from Michigan State University and 30 years of teaching experience combine with their more recent exploration of quilting and fabric portraits.
The work reflects the artist's philosophy that creativity never stops escalating. Each stitch and fabric choice draws from a lifetime of artistic exploration, showing how diverse creative experiences enrich and inform new artistic endeavors. This portrait stands as testament to the artist's unwavering dedication to creative expression throughout their remarkable career.