Meet Halimah Consuelo | Multidisciplinary Visual & Performance Artist.

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

Hi Halimah, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My first acting teacher, Kate Peckham told us “It’s easy to give up if you think you’re not worth it. Imperfections’ perfection-if you know how to work it!” That quote has stuck with me through the years as I’ve navigated my journey. It’s pretty self explanatory and it’s simplicity is what I love. The things that we can sometimes be most self conscious about are the most beautiful and unique. When worked from the right perspective they become strength. Bob Fosse was balding prematurely and had bow legs- with his use of hats and angled movement, he made them signatures in his dance style and to this day it’s revered by legends.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It’s been said before but nothing worth doing comes easily. It’s true some things may come naturally but in order for your gifts to truly serve you, you must sharpen yourself or the world will. Every challenge I’ve overcome has been defeated with a strong spiritual foundation, my tribe, a strong sense of self and dedication to my craft. I realized at a very young age that who I perceived myself to be and who the world perceives back are sometimes two very different people. That misunderstanding can lead to a lot of inner turmoil if you don’t have a strong sense of who you are. People are going to judge you no matter what before you even open your mouth to speak, so do what you want, live how you want because at the end of the day the naysayers aren’t living for you. I’m the one who has to be okay with the person I am when I close my eyes at night- I gotta do me! My art is the color, joy, pain and mystery that is life! I want the world to know that I lived mine unapologetically, beautifully. I want to create art that makes people feel less alone, where they can see themselves and be liberated from self doubt.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First we have to eat! I love eating family style so we’d go to La Féria for Tapas on Cass or Lebanese! Cedar land in Dearborn is a classic. I also love the Thai from Bangkok cafe in Ferndale. I’ve been going there since I was a baby- it’s amazing! Or Nikki’s BBQ on 7mile. Then, because I love a good shopping treasure hunt we’d automatically hit up Mama Coo’s boutique, it’s near me and Lana has the best finds in the city! Period! We’d also have to take a stroll downtown, see the river and check out the street art and snacks at the Eastern Market. And we’d definitely check out my favorite museums. The DIA, the Wright, N’namdi, Mocad… Motor city wine is a vibe. And if it’s summer time I’d definitely make sure to get them to a festival. The movement, Jazz, or taste festivals and Dally in the Alley are classic along with the dream cruise and boat races.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shout out my tribe!!! I would be absolutely nothing without them and God. For the sleepless nights for the years I’ve cried on their shoulders. Hours of studying lines, working out a performance set, giving advice on a painting or shoot. Keeping me sane, bringing me a meal when I’m doing too much and forget to eat and reminding me everyday of the beauty and love in the world. My mother and father, Lola, siblings, my loving partner and best friends and the rest of my family. Blood and chosen. I love y’all.

Website: www.halimahconsuelo.com

Instagram: Colormeothr

Youtube: Halimah Consuelo

Other: I have A second Instagram for my photography it’s @othrlooks.

Image Credits
Last action image by Moon via Lunar Haus