Artist Bio

Latifah ShaDae’ is a visual artist from Brooklyn who finds inspiration from the streets of New York, 90s r&b, and social justice matters. ShaDae' got her start painting from attending a sip and paint. Although ShaDae’ has been drawing and creating since the age of 4 it was the sip and paint that made her realize she loved to paint. She took to the art supplies store and began creating her own works of art. Just weeks after this discovery she painted with Groundswell Murals in Brooklyn and helped create 2 Murals in Brownsville. ShaDae’ then became the resident muralist at Breukelen Cornerstone Community Center in the neighborhood where she grew up. While teaching herself new painting techniques and learning along the way she has had her artwork featured in several New York galleries and has been featured in Canvas Rebel Magazine. ShaDae’ spent time overseas in China where she studied Chinese art and history. ShaDae’ currently spends her time teaching art, perfecting her craft, and traveling the world for inspiration with her 2-year-old daughter.

Artist Statement

This series was inspired by the art of resting and taking a moment to just be. Closing your eyes, relaxing your mind. Closing your eyes is like telling your body to relax and that it's okay to take a break from focusing. Taking a moment for yourself in the midst of chaos. Closing your eyes to ignite your creativity.

The diamond shapes in the background represents calmness, inner peace, and overall positive mental attitude.

Being a mom of a busy toddler, I have to find time to do these things. It can get hard to be in the moment or find time to have for myself when I’m always on go or on mommy mode. But somehow my daughter forces me to stop and smell the flowers. Then I’m able to spread more love and readjust my crown.

As women we tend to handle our business and everyone else's. Sometimes I find myself putting myself last which has been detrimental to my health. Mentally and physically. It's not fair to us to try to fill someone else’s cup when ours is almost empty. So, stopping for a minute helps. Even if only for a second.

So, this series is dedicated to taking a moment to smell the flowers, blow kisses, and adjusting our crowns in the midst of chaos. Removing distractions and being in the moment.

Holding our head high because you can't wear a crown with your head down.