Meet Daphanè Brown | Painter, drawing artist, and muralist.

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

Hi Daphanè, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I have a part-time job while also pursuing art. When I am not at work, I am creating art, thinking about art, and sketching. I think about art a lot. I think of how I could be better. I research ways to connect to new people and how to get my name out there as an artist. Somewhere in between that, I’m asleep and watching movies and anime. I think I’m doing good at balancing everything, but I could be better at doing so. I’m thankful for my art mutual, @helenzellner_art (IG) @HzZellner (Twitter), for suggesting creating for at least 15 minutes every day. It helps a lot. I create anywhere between 15 mins to 2+ hours, depending on my work schedule.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is forever changing. I focus on Greek mythology and Black American culture. My drive sets me apart from the rest. I am very proud of myself for this year. I went from being unknown to being denied and questioning myself. I have done a few art events so far. I am an ambassador for The Black Girl Art Show. I was accepted as an artist for the Black Girl Art Show in December. A lot of research on YouTube, asking my art friends, and graduating from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke helped me get here. My journey has not been easy. I am thankful that it isn’t. I overcame my challenges by asking for help when I didn’t want to. I went to therapy. I took the time to cry, pray, and feel my emotions. I accepted failure and got back up, and kept pushing. I have learned that even though the journey seems tough. I may feel like I am behind the curve. I am not. I am where I need to be when I need to be there. It took me three years before I acknowledged I could and will use my art as my career. I was born to create. I am here to be an artist, so why not do that? My name is Moonk Foonk because I knew too many Daphs were in the world, but only one Moonk Foonk. Thank you, Uncle Roo.

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.
As an artist, some of my favorite spots are in Atlanta. I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t suggest going to the High Museum of Art after catching a bite to eat at TWO urban licks. It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t swing by Underground Atlanta, especially on a first Friday. For a high-energy move, we would have to go to Beat the Bomb. It wouldn’t be right unless I went to Blick Art Materials. Cascade on a Sunday night is a different story.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To my Mom and Dad, I love you with all of my heart. Thank you for being my parents.

Website: www.Moonkfoonk.bigcartel.com

Instagram: @Moonkfoonk

Twitter: @MoonkFoonk

Youtube: @ArtbyMoonkFoonk

Other: TikTok: @ArtbyMoonkFoonk Patreon: https://patreon.com/ArtbyMoonkFoonk

Image Credits
@shots_by_tolli