ICONS-IN-CLASS

‘I want to keep inspiring people all over the world’

Las Vegas Black Image is thrilled to return Icons-in-Class — a celebration of our children in their own voices, showcasing their positive pursuits — to the pages of the magazine. We were inspired by a Facebook post by Shannon Toston Brown: 

“Children are so creative and tend to block out the ugliness of this world with beauty. My daughter, Meadow, has asked me to share her art and her wish is for someone to use her art in a magazine or for their small business. I didn’t know what to say, so I thought I would just give it a shot. Meadow loves to draw and she spent three days on the art that she named, ‘Pure Beauty.’ Please share or notify me if you have a small business or magazine to make her dream come true. It’s the small things and worth a try.” 

After reading that, we were determined to meet Meadow — in hopes of playing a part in making her wish come true. She graciously granted us an interview.

How did you get started in drawing and painting? 

I think it started when I was in the first or second grade. After school I would pull out my notebook to draw, and draw whenever I had free time.

Are there any particular things you like to draw? 

I like to draw people in different settings.

Describe the art you call “Pure Beauty.” 

My drawings are to make people feel warm inside.

Why do you think there is a need for that right now? 

I think there is a big need right now and I just want to draw things to make people happy.

Do you see some people who are not happy? 

I see some people who are sad, so I draw people who are happy so they will be happier.

What encouragement about your art did you receive that really made you know you can really draw well? 

Often, when I show my family members, they really like my drawings. That’s what makes me feel good and it inspires me to do more.

When you grow up do you want to be an artist? 

I might, but I might also be a photographer or director. But, I also might have a job as an artist.

What colors inspire you when you draw? 

I prefer to use blues and yellow colors when I draw.

Do you like homeschooling? 

Yes, I like it, but I miss my friends. I miss seeing them in person.

When will you go back to school? 

I don’t think I will go back to school because I am more comfortable doing home schooling. I usually play with my friends on Fridays and weekends.

What other kinds of creative expressions do you enjoy besides drawing? 

I like to sing and dance. And sometimes I dress up and try on different clothes.

What is the most frequent question you are asked about your art? 

My friends ask me, “How did you do that?” I tell them they can do it too — if they try their best and believe in themselves.

What contributed to your confidence level? 

I think it’s my mom and dad who inspired me to do more because they are really proud of my art that makes me happy and confident to do more.

Are you keeping your school grades up? 

Yes, my favorite subject in school is reading and my teacher told me I am at a fifth grade reading level and I am only in the third grade.

That is wonderful. Do you think you will have an art exhibit one day? 

Yes, I think I will.

If you had to sell one of your drawings how much would you sell it for? 

I would sell it for $5 or $8.

Has anyone asked for one of your paintings? 

Yes.

So you sold one? 

No. I sold three.

What do you say to people who don’t understand why people do art? 

I would say, I draw and do art because I want to keep inspiring people all over the world. And I want to make people happy.