Faces are stories. The jaunty tilt of a head, the suspicious narrowing of an eye, the ribbon of an old scar, the smile of a mouth displaying a first lost tooth… Stories. And since I was a child, I have been driven to portray these stories.
I grew up with a paintbrush in my hand. Walls covered in painted pages and sketches. Hands and clothes splotched and speckled with the work. My studies at the College of Visual and Performing Arts at UMass Dartmouth corralled my ambition and gave form to technique. I learned ways to make my watercolors mirthful, wry, lonely, and even ironic. And so I painted. And I painted.
However, while living and working in Haiti from 2011 to 2014, I realized that I could unite my passion for painting with my devotion to social and political justice. And at last I had found my voice. Working so closely with people reminded me how important it is for us all to have an outlet to express ourselves—to share our stories. We each have a unique and meaningful narrative to contribute, and I want my painting to offer people that vital opportunity.
Faces are stories. I am eager to work with you to create your or your family’s story.
GALLERY
Portraits of Children & Families
Portraits by Lizzy Koah 