Meet Savannah Woodson | Visual Artist & Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Savannah Woodson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Savannah, what inspires you?
Well firstly, I am inspired by the beautiful island I grew up on called St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. I was always surrounded by warm energy and life, whether that was from the people in my community or the tropical plants and animals I was near. There was such a great contrast of vibrant colors, from the blue Caribbean waters to the pink bougainvillea plants and lush green hillsides. The vast color around me inspired me to incorporate that in my work now.

I’m also inspired by my own culture as a young Black woman. I usually reflect on the works of artists such as Kehinde Wiley, Fahamu Pecou, Faith Ringgold, Bisa Butler, and so many others as I think about how they illustrate blackness in their own terms. It’s important for me to celebrate and appreciate the Black artists that came before me when I produce my artwork. I am moved by their level of expression and the voice they are sharing with us. When I’m creating, I often listen to neo-soul or R&B music from artists like Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, or Cleo Sol. This type of music helps me to tap into my spiritual side and manifest my internal feelings or thoughts into the physical world and on a canvas.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would say my art is colorful, detail-oriented, and full of vigor. I often incorporate different mediums in my artwork, but my most used material is acrylic paints. I have always been painting, drawing, and putting my active imagination on display since I was a little girl. My very first canvas was my grandmother’s kitchen wall, and what a masterpiece it was. My professional artistic career began when I lived in Silver, Spring Maryland for two years when I auditioned for and was selected to be a part of the Visual Arts Center at Einstein High School. I was able to learn so many different styles and techniques while collaborating with other artists. While there, I participated in and won various local competitions.

A lot of my work revolves around blackness, life, nature, and community. I like to create joyful, uplifting, or deep pieces that also hint at real-world issues. My painting “Black Boy” was recently hanging in the US Capitol Building and featured a young Black boy with gold leaf material and roses around him. I wanted to shine a positive light on Black boys to fight the negative stereotypes. Black boys are universal. They are powerful, beautiful, sensual, resilient, and vulnerable. It was important for me to capture that. One of my biggest accomplishments was when I won the 2022 Congressional Arts Competition representing the US Virgin Islands where “Black Boy” was able to hang in the US Capitol Building for a year! I was also able to meet my Congresswoman, the Honorable Delegate Stacey E. Plaskett, when I visited Capitol Hill for the award ceremony. Since then, I traveled to Italy for the Venice Biennale, an international art exhibition, and the Loophole of Retreat for the award-winning artist Simone Leigh. I have had my artwork featured in the AUC Student Arts Festival & Exhibition in the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library, displayed at Art After Dark: Outta Time at the Alliance Theater, and I was featured in “Realeyes,” an online Zine publication to support Black creatives.

One of my most recent challenges with making my artwork is the limited space and supplies to create while being a student. I keep a whole shelf of art supplies in the corner of my dormitory and usually paint on my desk. It definitely is difficult sometimes, but it doesn’t stop me from doing what I love! I’ve always had to look beyond what the naysayers had to say when it came to pursuing an artistic career. There were multiple occasions when people said I would never be successful with art. I realized that was them projecting their assumptions. I knew that I would have to stay true to myself and my God-given talent!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my most comfortable spots would have to be on Spelman College’s campus laying out on the grass by the amphitheater. Growing up in the Caribbean, I feel energized outdoors. That’s why I also really like the Beltline, where I can ride the scooters with my friends, people-watch, and eat delicious acai bowls. I like eating at Fellini’s Pizza and Houston’s. I love a good smoky steak soaked in their signature Hawaiian marinade. After fueling up with some good food, I would take my friend to one of the plentiful concerts or outdoor shows in Atlanta! Those are always really fun and lively. As an artist, I would take my friends to any of the creative museums like the High Museum, Museum of Design Atlanta, or Trap Museum. There’s also always something happening on the other campuses outside of the AUC like Georgia State or Georgia Tech. Even though I’ve only been here for one year, I’ve already had so much fun and I can’t wait to explore more!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Some of the most important people in my life that have shaped me on my journey thus far would first be my nuclear family, including, my parents, grandparents, and siblings. My family has supported my artistic journey and has always pushed me to pursue my passions. I love them so much for it. They’re always the loudest in the rooms when it’s time to celebrate me!

I would also like to thank my church community at Clinton AME Zion for grounding me in their love and support, my VI family & friends, and my art mentor Ms. Amy Gibbs. I truly appreciate the amazing support of the AUC Art Collective program which has provided me with various travel, artistic, and educational opportunities. I have learned so much by being active in this program, and most importantly, I have gained an extra family of creative visionaries.

Instagram: savannahw._.art

Image Credits
Norman E. Jones Hillary Woodson Gaskins Savannah I. Woodson