Yoni is an artist based in Peoria, IL. This interview was conducted by Hannah Offutt.
Hanna Offutt: How would you describe the art you make?
Infinity: I would say it’s feminine and edgy, Abstract and Surreal.
HO: What is your medium?
Infinity: I paint on drywall, and I use acrylic paint and Tempera paint. I use a lot of mixed media to make my abstract pieces.
HO: What drives your practice?
Infinity: My emotions, how I'm feeling at that time and music are a key factor, but my family and goals also drive me. When I have creative blocks my daughter and I will create some pieces together.
HO: Do you have a favorite artist(s)? Why are they your favorite?
Infinity: An artist I admire is my friend Tiff also know as Teedeecreations. She has given me great advice since day one. And our visions are kind of similar. She's also a great artist. Very feminine and sexy. She lives in Texas and she has her own black-owned shop called Art Body and Soul. Check it out.
HO: What are your artistic goals?
Infinity: I want to be a well-known artist. I want people to see a piece of my art and say “Yea, that's a Yonni piece.” Or “I know her work.” I also want to give back to the youth. I have goals to someday have a business that reaches out to high schools through the arts. But, that's all still in the works.
HO: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Infinity: Don't stop. There will be days where your creative juices aren't flowing like they were the day before and that's okay. Take breaks and go in at it again the next day. Don't forget it's about doing what you love and this isn't a race. It's about accomplishing your goals and doing what you love no matter how long it takes to get there. Ride your own wave. Constantly, trying to keep up with the next can be stressful and divert you from your actual goal: winning and being you.
HO: Do you have any thoughts on the art community in Central IL?
Infinity: While I was here I wanted to help Illinois grow in the art world and I did by being with a group of wonderful artist in a group exhibition called February Flowers. The diversity is starting to grow in the art community and I am overall excited about that and being able to be apart of that is amazing.
