EDUCATION

Brooks Institute Of Photography l Commercial Photography
The University of Memphis l Finance
Organization l NIA Artist Collective

BIOGRAPHY

Professionally trained in commercial photography and finance, I have the necessary skills to produce any photographic
campaign from start to finish. I am proficient in all aspects of lighting, technically inclined, an exceptional problem solver,
computer savvy and business minded. If these are traits that you are interested in, I’m the person that you are looking for.

ARTIST RESUME
ARTIST STATEMENT

The art creation process is a form of meditation which cannot be forced, planned or dictated. During this period the mind
is focused on current life and events. Any action performed by the present human race will mold and influence humans of the
future. Current works attempt to decipher the psychological breakdown of humans. To understand why people act and react
as we do, you have to understand the surroundings and stimulus that construct the character of individuals. The goal is to
create a habit of thinking…. about action, life & outcomes. Once we attain a better understanding of why, we will be more
adapt to break the cycle.

EXHIBIT RESUME

Gallery Exhibit, Durden Gallery Memphis, TN 2005
The Memphis Downtowner Magazine, Freelance Photographer 2005-2006
NIA Artist Collective Show and Auction, FBC Memphis, TN 2005
Salon for Memphis Arts Creators, On The Street Gallery, MCA, Memphis, TN, 2005
Church Inc., NIA, 4th Floor Art Gallery, Prairie View A & M, Prairie View, TX, Feb 2006
Group Show, Grambling University, Grambling, LA, Feb 2006
Deep Roots, Hearne Fine Art , Little Rock, AR, May 2006
The 2nd Annual Artists' Salon, MCA On the Street Gallery Memphis, TN 2006
Miss Conception, Tunica Museum, Tunica, MS, Oct 2006
Fuzion 3.0 : Taking On Hip-hop, Delta Axis @ Marshall Arts, Memphis, TN, Oct 2006
A Year in Review "Closing Reception, Marshall Arts Memphis, TN 2006
The Love Below, Memphis, TN 2007
The Burden That is Art, Southside Gallery Oxford, MS 2007
We Have Lost our Way,Caritas Village Memphis, TN 2008
The AIDS Project,Marshall Arts Memphis TN 2008
African Roots,Savacou Gallery SOHO, NY 2008
National Civil Rights Museum, Freelance Photographer Memphis, TN 2008
Raw Arist, Elevated Lounge, Los Angeles, CA 2009
Group Show, Artistpalooza Studios, Santa Monica, CA 2009
Group Show, The Rowan Building, Los Angeles, CA 2009


LECTURE & INTERVIEWS

Television Interview, ZYNC 73, New York, NY, 2008
Visiting Artists, Southwind Middle School, Memphis, TN, 2007
Television Interview, WHBQ FOX 13, Memphis, TN, 2007
Lecturers, Prairie View A & M, Prairie View, TX, 2006
Visiting Artists, White Station High School, Memphis, TN, 2006
Lectures, Grambling State University, Grambling, LA, 2006
Radio Interview, Grambling State University, Grambling, LA, 2006

EXHIBITION DETAILS

We Have Lost Our Way

On the cusp of Dr. King's birthday and the anniversary of Ghandi's assassination, NIA  is taking a grave look at our 
continued, and arguably misguided, journey towards Peace. 

Southside Gallery Show  Exhibit: February 2007 Reception: Friday> February 16> 2007 6-9pm @ Southside Gallery Oxford, MS

The Burden that is Art by Mary Helene Warner
The suffix added to the word “art” to describe its creator carries equal weight. One can not exist with out the other.
Last week was the art opening for Benin Ford, Shalishah Franklin, Felandus Thames, Darlene Thomas, and Michael Yates,
artists whose works are currently on display through March 4 at Southside Gallery. The following essay is based on
interviews conducted that evening.
Read Review

Meeting Miss Conception  Exhibit: Sep 6- Oct 28 Reception: Saturday> September 9> 2006 5-7pm @ Tunica Museum Tunica, MS

NIA Artist Collective Presents Meeting Miss Conception
Paying homage to women artists both past and present including Betye Saar and Elizabeth Catlett and keeping in rhythm
with artists that merely immortalized perceptions of them we invite you to join NIA, as we artistically explore unrequited
questions, conceptions and idealizations of women.

The Salon: Two  Exhibit: July 13- Aug 13 Reception: Friday> July 28> 2006 6-10pm @ MCA On The Street Gallery Memphis

NIA Artist Collective Presents The 2nd Annual Artists' Salon
This is the second consecutive year for this event. The first event was very well received with a viewing crowd of nearly
1,500 people. An art piece that was worked on by artists and guests alike during the event has been on display at the UrbanArt
Commission for the past year. The show encourages participation from its guests allowing them to paint and enjoy a live DJ
spinning acid jazz and trip-hop.

Deep Roots Exhibit: May 9- June 3 Reception: Friday> May 12> 2006 6-8pm @ Hearne Fine Art Gallery Little Rock, AR

NIA Artist Collective Presents Deep Roots
Featuring Shalishah Franklin, Anthony D. Lee, Lester J. Merriweather, Edwin R. McSwine, Vitus Shell, Darlene Thomas,
Kiersten Williams, and Michael Yates.

Church, Inc: Second Offering Friday> February 9> 2006 6-8pm @ Prairie View A&M University Prairie View, TX

NIA Artist Collective Presents Church, Inc: The Second Coming
…Christians or customers? …Pastor and CEO? ...Wrong or rite? This is the second installment of NIA's popular exhibit first
featured at Tennessee State University in 2004. The exhibit explores the commercial quandary of the 21st century church. The
merger of worldly elements, and financial support thereof, with the modern church has prompted dissidence among many followers.
Today's churches seem more like biblical businesses straying from effectiveness and striving for stadium-style seating. NIA
artistically explains the blur between commerce and Christianity.

The Salon Friday> July 29> 2005 6-10pm @ MCA On the Street Gallery 431 S. Main St. Memphis

NIA Artist Collective Presents The Salon for Memphis’ Arts Creators
 The Salon is a social gathering of Memphis’ creative realm. The purpose for such an event is to unify Memphis’ artistic community
and continue to strengthen its creative assets. Eminent and newer persons involved in the Arts are welcome to attend and meet
their fellow creators. Memphis artists from all sects, be it music, literature, visual, culinary, drama, styling, and poetry are invited to
come, cohere, and network with others in fields that may be helpful or inspiring to their own careers. The Salon is a celebration of all
artists. It is structured freely for open creativity and serves as a public platform for any creative doing- call it “creative combustion.”
This event is free and encourages artists of all forms to voice their creative statements for a viewing audience.

Benefit Auction Saturday> July 23> 2005 5-7pm @ First Baptist Broad 2835 Broad Memphis

NIA Artist Collective Show and Auction
NIA Art Show and Silent Auction. This is a great opportunity for collectors to obtain an original work at a lower price for the sake of charity.
Proceeds from sales benefit the college scholarship fund provided by First Baptist Broad Church. Work types include: paintings,
photography, and mixed media. This art show and auction is free to enter and will be open to the public.