Alana Decker (creating as A. Decker) is a proud Black Canadian female, residing in Cambridge, Ontario. Born from British and Jamaican parents, she is a wife, mother of four children, an artist, and a survivor of domestic violence. Her art pieces are metaphors for her healing journey. They symbolize the struggles of being and the struggles her ancestors have undergone. They are the spiritual awakening and a reminder of who she is. An indirect representation of her ancestors' worth, of our worth.
As Guest Curator at Minds Eye Studio Art Gallery and Yoga Studio, I am pleased to present Alana’s work at the gallery from November 11 to December 16th. Remembering All That I Am is a solo exhibition of paintings. Private viewings are available, and the artist reception will be held on Friday December 9th at 7:30 pm.
“Remembering All That I Am is Alana Decker rooted to the ground with pride and like a tree continuously growing because I have given myself the freedom to remember all that I am as an individual. ”
Let’s talk about your emerging artist journey. What led you to first pick up a paintbrush and how did you get to where you are now as an artist?
As a child, I loved to draw and just overall enjoyed art, but as an adult, life took over and I truly lost the desire. I can say I forgot what brought me happiness aside from being a mother.
All of the creativity and desire to pick up a paintbrush restarted during the beginning of Covid. I had a moment of stillness where I was unemployed, feeling depressed and just sitting in my feelings which was a lot to take in. I started putting my emotions into motion- mind you at this time, I was not conscious of what I was doing. I joined a yoga class, and started painting with my kids. I feel my yoga class in a way freed me, it was a safe space and showcased beautiful inspiring art. From then, a window of creativity opened and has just continued to grow over time.
How has art contributed to your healing journey?
Art is a moment of freedom, it's a moment to express who you are. My art is like a diary sharing the trials and tribulations I've faced over the years. It has helped me bring the emotions I tried to bury to the surface. Creating is a moment of vulnerability, something I tried not to be in the past, because vulnerability equaled weakness. I realize that this way of thinking was incorrect. I learned to trust in myself and to no longer seek validation from others. Overall, art has built my confidence, and trust in myself. The power of putting your emotions into motion helped me to redirect the negative thoughts, anger, and pain I had within me.
The name of the exhibition is very powerful. I think many people will relate to the title. During my last studio visit before the exhibition was installed you were still contemplating title names. I recall you had a few names in mind. Can you expand on why you went with this one?
Yes, Remembering All That I Am was one of many titles I had for the exhibition, but it truly was the most fitting. I chose this title because this is really my daily mantra. I'm learning more about my ancestors, and where I am rooted from. I am also learning to unlearn things I thought were the norm. Remembering all that I am is all a part of my healing journey.
I recognize, accept and love being all of who I am. I am remembering that I love all of my blackness, I love my bisexuality, I love my culture and I love praising and praying to my ancestors.
Remembering All That I Am is Alana Decker rooted to the ground with pride and like a tree continuously growing because I have given myself the freedom to remember all that I am as an individual.
I Am Fearless
You’re involved in a lot of community work through your art. Why is that important to you?
I truly love it with all my heart, it brings me life. It's so important for me to show people the importance of putting their emotions into motion and to release their inner child. We are facing some incredibly challenging times, but I believe there is a way to overcome them. Community work helps to bring a community together. It's a powerful moment seeing others expressing themselves through art.
Do you plan your pieces out ahead of creating them or is your process more fluid?
It is a bit of both. I do plan my pieces to a certain extent. Sometimes, I'll sketch out my pieces so I know where I'd like to place it on my canvas, then the colours I use are more fluid when placed on the canvas. It really depends on the mood, environment and the music I'm listening to during my time of creating.
Do you use people you know as reference images for any of your paintings or are the figures meant to be open to interpretation?
Sometimes I use people I know as a reference image, sometimes I use myself but overall the figures are meant to be open to interpretation.
What is your dream creative project?
My dream creative project would be to paint a mural. I absolutely love street art and it would be a dream to see my art on a building wall of some sort. I'm an emotional person so this would by far bring tears to my eyes.
What do you want people to take away from this exhibition?
I want people to know they are not defined by their past. I want them to feel acceptance and to know they are not alone in this thing we call life. I want them to see we can overcome challenging times and to not fear pursuing their passion.
Follow Alana on Instagram or TikTok: adecker84
Interview by Glodeane Brown
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