Precious Childhoods by Tawny Chapmon

Your childhood is critical. This is a truth that people instinctually recognize, but unfortunately, most are not intentional about reacting to what this means. What happened in your childhood shapes so much of who you are. You may never even realize that your thoughts, biases, and current actions are inevitable because of something you experienced as a child.

American artist, Tawny Chapmon, reminds us of this using her intricate art of Black children. Tawny is well known for her unique style - and unique is the word. First, she starts by taking photographs of children she knows, often her own kids and those of her friends. She then overlays more ideas digitally. Finally, she prints and continues to overlay on the photographs with mixed media - anything from acrylic paint, to paper, wood, glass. And most distinct of all, 24-carat gold leaf. We can’t think of a more apt material to indicate that our precious childhoods are just that - precious, valuable, and treasured.

See some of her beautiful pieces below.

Find out more about Tawny’s work on her website.