Rediscovering Childhood Love
JANET WILLIAMS (@ARTBYTENAJ)
I used to believe I was not an artist, but merely a young girl with some talent that could draw. I considered those who could paint, draw, sculpt, etc. were ‘The Real McCoys.’ I also believed that an artist was someone who was naturally gifted and had a collegiate art education/technical training that propelled them to greater heights I could never reach. Additionally, I thought there were only a few who were deemed to be true artists because of the demand for their work and their high status. This perception began and solidified while I was in high school for art and fashion design. I witnessed firsthand just how amazing some of my peers were and my young mind swirled with a mixture of typical teenage insecurities and envy. I felt that a career in art or fashion just wasn't ordained for me. It wasn’t realistic or attainable and I didn’t dwell on it much further. I made other plans with my life and never considered myself to be an artist. After pursuing a degree in business that led to a career in accounting, I became a cog in the good ole American corporate machine. I did well and was content with my trajectory and my love for fashion manifested into my wardrobe. No I wasn’t living my full artistic truth, but I was content.
CONTROLLING MY OWN NARRATIVE
My love for art resurfaced after I became an empty nester and relocated from New York to North Carolina. I gained a greater sense of self and purpose. I realized that my artistic talent was just as important as others and now had the time to figure out what I wanted to do with myself and spend more time nurturing my talents. So my journey to knowing I was an artist and actually calling myself one picked up later in life where it left off years prior. And that’s okay. This time around I have more determination. I’m exploring opportunities that improve my development and foster my creativity. I periodically pull back and assess older paintings - what I like about each painting and where I could improve in the next - without allowing social media to impede my growth. I live with no regrets because everything happens for a reason and in its duly appointed time. I am happy and in no rush.
"Timing is everything and the Universe is never late nor early - so, neither am I. Take your time and do good work – Janet Williams aka Tenaj London
About The Artist
Janet Williams, artistically known as Tenaj London, is a self taught visual artist who has emerged from a private life onto the world stage, inspired with the mission to not only rediscover her 'misplaced' childhood love, but to share it. Over the past two decades, art took a back seat to a career in corporate America - but her creative side still manifested itself with her love for stylish clothing in the fashion capital of the world, New York City.
Born in London, England, she has traveled far and wide to many places to include Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa. Consequently, her artwork is influenced and inspired by these urban kaleidoscopes of colors, cultures, fashion, and people. Now in a new phase of her life, this timely and welcomed rediscovery allows this free spirit the ability to explore the field of art using various mediums with the heart of that child from years past.