Meisha Williams

What's your artist statement?

Art has always been a passion of mine. Whether it was finger painting as a child or making realistic portraits and landscapes now, I have always loved art. I worship the different kinds of art and the artist who aren't afraid to make their voice be heard. I tend to make graphite drawings of people and places, and i also create sculptures of paper mache. This passion of mine was influenced by my brother who I saw make sketches and little drawings often, so I tried it and I was good at it since a kid. I have only grown since my first drawing and I tend to continue my artistic journey.

What does "art" mean to you?

Art means a safe haven for me. Its place where you can escape from the terrors of the world and find a way to recreate them in a picture, video, dance, painting, or collage. Art means an endless setting of creativity and imagination. Art is endless movement and once you have joined you don't want to stop.

Has Teen Lab helped you grow as an artist?

Teen Lab has in fact helped me grow as an artist. Over the few semesters that I have participated in Teen Lab I have learned so much about myself and about Art in general. I have been exposed to people, places, and things and I wouldn't change one moment of it. I love who I am becoming.

The Teen Lab experience means a lot to me. I never thought I would be in a space where I can just be me. I never thought before that I would be surrounded by such a good group of people who has the same interests as me, three times a week. I know that my thoughts and my personality means something. I am equal in Teen Lab. Not only does the atmosphere count but the building itself is like a home to me. I enjoy coming to the Art Institute.

I love knowing that after school I have something special to do and special people to see. I cherish the two and a half hours I get on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.