Meet Margaret Warfield: Creator of art – paintings

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

Hi Margaret, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I never meant to start a business. My main thought, at the time, was to make into reality the images that occupied my thoughts, the dancing ladies, women cradling their infants and images that also express the joys of “being.” As time passed my thoughts about the business of art took root in my mind. My passion for creating paintings is the foundation of Waffle Design Ink LLC. I created Waffle Design Ink LLC out of necessity and a strong desire to expose the world to positive images of African American women.

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.

In a world that is filled with unrest and hate, I have determined that my art will not be a part of the disorder. Instead, the paint that forms images on my blank canvases echo joy, peace and hope. Choosing to paint strong, determined African American images has been a determining factor in executing the work that I create. This is the niche that describes the work that I create.

Maintaining a consistent work habit and surrounding myself with friends and associates has helped me to remain true to the field of art. Has it been easy, “no”. There have been numerous times that I entertained the thought of abandoning art. During the times that I cared for my Mother and my husband were challenging times, for me, emotionally and physically. My subject matter changed during those times, from dancing women with flowing garments to women who were in a state of stillness.

One of the lessons that I learned along my journey is that I have to protect my mind from negative thoughts in order to paint positive images. Another, be willing to adjust how I conduct business, that is, take on the challenge of embracing the internet and the ever-changing technology that is available today. The importance of patience and the skill of waiting with dignity and without anxiety, are also pertinent to the learning process.

I want the world to know that, yes, I am an African American woman who has the same or similar desires for my work, my success as other’s that are in this business.

I want the world to see me as an artist not an African American Artist. Appreciate my work based on its merit, its style and its subject matter.

My story is one on of fortitude and determination. It’s a balancing act between maintaining a household, care giving, the business of art and the pleasures of creating art.

Proud moments along the journey: Exhibiting in, #NotAStereotype Lyndon House Athens, Georgia, Tom Joyner Foundation Cruise Fund Raiser, Cover art “Mother Africa’s Table – National Council of Negro Women, Featured Artist Black Heritage Celebration-Walt Disney World, and The Arts & Cultural Award – National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Pennsylvania Chapter.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My first thoughts about entertaining a friend are, “where to go to see tons of art and boutiques and where to eat. Day one: Road trip to Madison, Georgia’s Town 220 Restaurant for their excellent food and soothing atmosphere. Later we would stroll around the town’s quant shopping district. Oh, a must is Barkin Dog – fabulous shoes and an upscale clothing boutique next door. To satisfy our “sweet tooth,” a visit to Antique Sweets. Day two: Covington, Georgia, another of my favorite places to relax and possibly see a movie that’s being filmed on the square. The town is home to two art galleries, Southern Heartland and WildArt, both are known for displaying the distinctive artworks of regional artisans. Where to eat? Town House Café or The Social Goat Tavern…
Day’s Three & four: Downton Decatur and surrounding locations is a must visit as well. My choice of boutiques: Squash Blossom and Boutique Karma, however, the area is brimming with interesting art finds, coffee shops, and the restaurant selections are awesome. This trip the restaurant choices are: Café Lily and Chai Pani
A visit to the Decatur Farmers Market is on the agenda.
Day’s Five, six & seven: We are headed to Atlanta. Where to start. My choice gallery was ZuCot Gallery, temporarily closed. So, we will visit Midtown, Centennial Park, Georgia Aquarium,
The Atlanta Botanical Garden and wind down with a picnic in Piedmont Park.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many people who mentored me along my journey. Connie Rogers, former gallery owner, Lithonia, Georgia. I credit Connie with teaching me the ethics of the business of art and for being the first gallery to exhibit and sell my work not only in Georgia but also in Art Expo New York. Artist Michael A Chester, portrait artist, who challenged me to try different approaches to laying the foundation of a painting.

In retrospect, my Mother, Cassie Warfield, was the first person who encouraged me to paint. She gave me the confidence to stand strong in the midst of life’s “ebbs and flows.”

Website: margaretwarfield.net

Instagram: warfiel2

Twitter: all4art

Facebook: artthattoucehesthesoul