Darlene Strong

Incorporating art with music and literature to create a meaningful artistic expression over the past twenty five years has been a most pleasant journey. My art enhances a reflective genre of everyday life in the community, particularly Black history featuring social, political and cultural overtones on a canvas landscape.
 
The creative genes flow generously while evoking whimsical memories of childhood, arduous workdays, personal struggles and triumphs and intertwined with music and the spoken word to portray multigenerational life; good, bad or ugly with one purpose to cumulative healing through the arts. Some art work is inspired by the Old Masters of Impressionism.
 
Subject matter ranges from quaint country living, the dreads of the Great Depression or themes like Rebuilding A Nation. Creating visual images that reflect families, farm houses, friends or seascapes add to the ambience.

Most of the work is theme based for installations purposes and dissemination that features actual locations, landmarks, and people or events. Warm muted colours are used intentionally and offer audiences soothing atmosphere while addressing difficult issues. The text provides clues to content and interpretation of my methodology and remains consistent, linked by recurring concerns through the subject matter. My preferred medium is acrylic on canvas and for the other forms including didactic work, projects consist of multiple works, grouped in sequence around a specific topic for the purpose of community engagement.