Meet Malaysha Belton | Digital Creator/Artist

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

Hi Malaysha, how do you think about risk?
For me, I approach risks as untapped opportunities to expand past our my own limitations. From a creatives standpoint, I’ll be honest and admit that I played it safe for a long time before I built the courage to start sharing my work through social media and pop-up events. Now looking back at it, even that was a rewarding risk in disguise. This isn’t to say that every risk will reap a reward but, not going after what you desire has a greater chance of setting you back rather than propelling you towards something greater.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Artistically, I work primarily with digital media, specifically procreate. I love the freedom of transmuting emotions through color in my pieces and digital art has been the perfect bridge in communicating those ideas. I feel what sets me apart from other artists is that it’s less about the imagery in my works but more about what emotions the colors are provoking from the viewers subconscious while consciously, they’re admiring the visuals throughout the composition. I also use a lot of symbolism in my work to be interpreted in different ways- the end goal being that a single painting can spark more than one conversations within the same fabric of space and time. The intent is for people to reflect and reconnect with pieces of themselves they may have forgotten along the way of “growing up”. As my artistry refines itself I’ve also reconnected with the love of physically painting and exploring the science of blending color, alchemizing my imaginations into reality and just experimenting with different painting styles- plus it forces me to release control in the messiest way!
As a professional artist (which is still crazy to say out loud) I feel that by just trusting my intuition I’ve created for myself the ability to remain resilient. Of course it’s not easy nor has it ever been however, that’s the beauty of it! The challenges I’m met with have been a matter of sink or swim and I give credit to the East side of Charlotte for definitely raising me to stay afloat, every time.
I also believe it’s really important to nurture healthy support systems through friends and family; surround yourselves with other creatives who are willing to uplift you or motivate you through life’s obstacles as well as finding a close relation to God because there are going to be battles that only you can press through and that closet is where you’re going to do some of your best crying.
Along the way I’ve learned that I am the only person capable of holding myself back from reaching my highest potential. I’ve also grown to learn that not every space is going to make room for me. With that said, I’m becoming more confident in making space for myself & for my work to breathe within my community. Although validation isn’t everything, I want the world to see my love as a creator and appreciate that in me. I want my work to tell stories and create healing conversations whether it’s through laughter or deep reflection. I want the world to feel/hear the colors in my work; to connect with my pieces similar to their favorite song.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, Girl! This is my favorite topic. As soon as the plane touches down on Friday we’re going to Nuvole Rooftop to decompress from the week and just catch up- plus the views of the city are perfection. From there we’re going to slide to supperclub for game night and an overall good vibe! Maybe order some more drinks but, nothing too crazy and definitely some food. Saturday morning if the night didn’t turn us every which way but loose we’re going to Archive CLT to recharge then ride the light rail downtown to midnight diner for a shrimp and grits plate- that’s just law. Of course we have to museum hop and reserve a table at Mellow Mushroom for the pizza and cloud 9 wings! If it’s a chill type of day we’ll go to Hawkers for dinner. Since me and my girls aren’t the partying types we can skip out on the clubs honestly but, I’d still recommend STATS or Westend Tavern because once we’re outside- the rest is history. However, If the club doesn’t match the vibes or it isn’t too late; I’d take her to Fumee for Hookah.
Lastly, on Sunday’s we do service! So we’re going to pull up to Union church & directly after we have to do brunch at one of favorite spots of all time, Church&Union or Mariposa in case C&U is packed out. Later that day we’d most likely go to Puttery to just enjoy our time together or Optimist hall to relax before she leaves.
What’s crazy is the way Charlotte is set up you can pack a full week of excursions and still have room for more! I can only imagine what I could do in Atlanta.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course! I will always dedicate my success to my mother, for giving me life, love and a close relationship to God; my father for encouraging me to beat the odds and to prove wrong anyone who ever doubted my potential. To my siblings I am grateful for championing my work and affirming my gifts as well as my nieces/nephews and close family members who see me as I see them. I am also grateful for my closest friends who have supported and attended my events, reassured my place in the Arts community and who keep me level headed! I love each and every one of you not only in this lifetime but the next. Lastly, I remember going through a season that forced me to really go within- in order to heal the deepest parts of myself during solitude. In that process I discovered “The Alchemist” written by Paulo Coelho. I am so grateful for the many seeds that-that book planted inside of me. It truly helped me to understand that the risks we take are simply an importance of listening to our heart and pursuing our Personal Legend.

Website: https://malaysianink.square.site/

Instagram: Malaysianink

Twitter: Malaysianink

Image Credits
Michael Maxwell Photography Out-front Media Barbara Curry Lauren Gibson