art chic: dawn okoro

Name: Dawn Okoro
City: Austin, TX…relocating to NYC!
Claim to fame: Art Chick and Creative Spirit
Url: dawnokoro.com

First and foremost: Her artistry is the dopeness. Boldly colorful, ultra feminine,  and teaming with runway attitude. Second: Art and interiors go hand in hand making it a perfect fit for the Get Togetha Blog. What  I love the most about these interviews is that I get to introduce to you wonderfully inspiring women who are moving, shaking, and living their lives by example. And I have to say that I really enjoyed this one. Dawn is brains and beauty with fearlessness to match. (See above). And she just earned her JD in Law.  If that isn’t inspiring I don’t know what is…

Dawn…in a nutshell could you tell Get Togetha readers about yourself?
I’m an artist who is  inspired by fashion and consumerism.

Your last name is Okoro. What is your heritage?
My mother is African American and my father is Nigerian. 

Have you always known that there was a painter inside of you?
I have always known that I was an artist but in the past I shelved those desires because I was afraid I would starve. Now I’m an artist full time cause I can’t see myself doing anything else. 

GT: I love that. You embraced the fear and said “To heck with it.”

Who or what is your muse?
Fashion is my inspiration. My muse is whoever is modeling for me at the time.

Do you ever see yourself not painting?
I don’t ever see myself not painting, but I would like to expand to other mediums. Currently I’m learning more about the medium of photography. I also plan on being a fashion designer in the near future.

At Get Togetha our focus is lifestyle and home decor…what is your living style? City Slicker, Suburban Sprawl,  Country Living or your own island?
My living style is definitely city slicker! I live in Austin now but I’m in transition. After living in Texas all my life. I’m going to be moving to New York City in a few weeks. I’m really looking forward to it because I need the hustle and bustle of the city and 24 hour stimulation right now. 

Is your art for sale?
Yes. People can purchase my work in person or they can purchase online by emailing me about a particular piece or for a price list. My next show opens August 7th, 2009 at Three Peas Art Lounge in Chicago. The show runs for a month.

Who is the most exciting celeb client to have purchased your work?
One of my favorite collectors is Shaun Robinson from “Access Hollywood.” Because of her interest in my work it has sparked a friendship. 

What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
The best advice I’ve gotten is: Focus on creating the best work you can, then show in the best shows you can and network.

What artists are you inspired by?
Some of the artists I’m inspired by are Steven Meisel, Richard Avedon and Kenyan artist Wangechi Mutu. 

And in GT Fashion…if you could have anyone over for dinner who would they be and what would you serve?
Michael Jackson and Oprah. I would serve a ice tea; Southern Styled.

Posted by gt on June 2, 2009

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