The current collection of works spans over a 20 year period from the beginning of my Art exploration. The works show the growth and different styles and mediums that have emerged. Almost all the works have been in solo and group exhibitions with some works entered in Juried exhibits and several winning merit wards. "Nipsy," was my first Award winner at a Juried Exhibition at the Lyndon House Art Center in Athens Ga. Some of the works have also been shown at the Robert Lowery Art Gallery, in Danielsville, Ga. Most of my work has been conjured by dreams that predicted an event, namely "Floats" that predicted my first grandson's birth. Some works were events that happened that struck a chord, "Overboard," "Prince," and "Haiti" are examples. I draw a lot on my imagination, environment, dreams, and events.
Njambi Mwaura, Whirlpool, 2013, Watercolor, 14 x11
I never studied Art or had any formal Art knowledge growing up. Art was not a "thing" in a newly independent Kenya focused on rebuilding the country. The Arts were not integrated in the Education or Social systems at the time. Despite not having a word for it, I was drawn to images and an avid observer of my environment, people and events. I spent a lot of time in free play, using materials available to me. I made clay images down by the river, drew images with a stick or fingers in Dirt, drew on the sides of my notebooks in school as classes got boring and developed a habit of doodling as I talked on the phone. I still had no name for what it was that I was doing.
In the early 90's, I got hospitalized and had art and crafts activity therapy that I actually enjoyed and looked forward to. I still did not think of myself as an Artist and went back to life as a single parent, focusing on my daughter and her activities.
After my daughter started college and was away from home, started hanging out with a friend, Gaugin Mann, who was always working on various forms of Art projects. One day I sat on her porch, while she worked on something, and started painting the view from her porch and made my first painting, "Cantrell." Didn't give it that much thought.
Njambi Mwaura, The Funeral, 2011, Watercolor, 22x29
A few months later, I started dating an Artist, Bo Tompkins, and one day, he was working on a painting for the Lyndon House Juried exhibit and he handed me paper and paint and told me everyone is an Artist. I started painting beside him. Later, he took my painting, unbeknown to me, and turned it in with his painting to the exhibit and it got in. I found out about it during the opening reception. I have no idea where that painting is now. Bo Tomkins passed away in 2005. "Saluda" and "Watching" were inspired by his Mom's place in Saluda.
During this period, 2000 - 2004, started Modeling for Art Students in a painting class with Oida Williams. One of the students started showing the paintings in exhibits around town. I learned a little bit from listening in on her conversations with the students.
I now had a lot of inspiration from living in a town full of all Kinds of Artists.
Njambi Mwaura, Bot Trail , 2000, Watercolor, 11 x 8 1/2
Color has been prominent in most of my works. I use color to express the mood and structure of my paintings. I often mix mediums and have been known to use unconventional materials, such as makeup, spices and plants, especially in my earlier works. "Cantrell" is an example of this. I mostly use Watercolor Paper and some canvas, "Haiti." I have never worked in a Studio and use improvised spaces to work in my home, whether outdoors or indoors. The spaces are limiting and small as I have often shared space with others. I remember instances where my work has been in danger of destruction, like the time my then housemate got mad at me for some stupid reason and threw my art out into the yard at night in the rain. I tried to rescue it by taking it to a neighbors, who then put it out on their porch where heavy rain would ruin them. Watercolors, Pastels, and Acrylic are my primary mediums with some oil on canvas.
Njambi Mwaura, Submerge, 2015, Watercolor, 11 3/4 x9
Gauguin images were my first glimpse into the Art world when I saw an image of his in a Biology class where Venereal diseases were the topic. I was more drawn to the images than the discussion of his cause of death. As mentioned, Deonna Mann and Bo Tompkins have been a constant source of inspiration. Chegall, Cezanne and Picasso have also influenced my work. Current Artists like Mutu and a handful of some local Athens Artists, like Tex Crawford, Peter Bongo Loose, Beverly Babb, Laura Martin and many others.
Njambi Mwaura, Nipsy, 2002, Mixed Media, 9 x 18 1/4
I continue to grow and expand as an Artist and strive to have my work go beyond Athens to a National and International stage. I'm hoping to concentrate on an Art career without the constraints of work, time and expenses. I have had to concentrate on sometimes working two jobs and having little time or resources for Art.
I have had to stop working due to an accident at work and this has opened the opportunity to finally dedicate my time to Art and a book I've been wanting to write. Things happen for a reason, and some unfortunate events can be an opportunity for new beginnings. I see 2020 as a time for growth and expansion. I'm grateful for this opportunity.