Where do you live?

I was born on the island of Dominica in the Caribbean but currently reside in Nashville, TN. 

What inspires your work?

I love drawing people and pets. Generally, I like drawing only one subject. There is something about focusing on one individual subject and ensuring that I get it just right. I am usually drawn by the eyes. If the eyes are not satisfactory I will not like the drawing. I prefer to draw small drawings (usually max 9x12"). I also enjoy surprising people with drawings. Finally, I enjoy drawing images from the news. One of my first drawings was a snapshot of the R Kelly and Gayle King interview.

What is your favorite medium?

I've worked with acrylic paint, graphite and charcoal. My favorite medium is charcoal on toned grey paper. I use 557-6B ex. soft General's Charcoal pencils and General's 558-white charcoal on Strathmore 400 series toned grey paper with medium surface (9x12" or 18x24"). I like the toned grey paper because you can see the grain in the paper.

What other tools do you use?

I use a kneaded eraser (various brands), Faber-Castell Perfection 7056 eraser pencils, and blending stumps (various brands)

Where were you trained?

Most of my methods are self-taught/trial-and-error. I have taken community painting classes at Centennial Art Center in Nashville, TN but I do not have a professional art degree. 

What is your book Hello Beautiful! all about?

(From Amazon) - A daughter's retrospective journey into the life of her father in a concise collection of memories. The earlier stories introduces Wilmurt, a man of humble beginnings whose main goal in life is to educate and protect his children. It also introduces Nadine, a shy, sensitive child who adores her father. The book offers glimpses of life on the island of Dominica and are sprinkled with words and phrases from the kwéyol language spoken on the island. They highlight a child's innocence and a man's pride in his family. The latter stories tell of minor father/daughter conflict, island politics, the effects of migration on a family, and the victories and losses of cancer. Through it all, the book maintains a common thread of respect and love between father and daughter. The book is also illustrated by the author.

What is charcoalatte?

A friend suggested that I needed to find a name that makes people think of my work. My sister Ann Sabrina suggested the name charcoalatte.