Self-taught artist Dom is sharing her gifts with the Crenshaw District. Through youth workshops, custom designs, and abstract art pieces, Human and Divine is a unique brand that celebrates the trials and tribulations of life. If we were to wear our scars on the outside, what would we look like? The art examines most things people want to hide. Making our pain visible to those around us, creates dialogue and space for acceptance.
In 2010, after majoring in art at West L.A. College, Dom began working at a printing factory printing t-shirts and learned valuable skills that would later translate artistic ideas into clothing. When the print shop stopped operating, Dom started working at another Black owned business, the One Stop Smoke Shop. For hours each day the artist would draw, paint, sew, and create custom pieces that harnessed the attention of the late Nipsey Hussle, legendary Doug E. Fresh, rap icon DMX, and L.A. artist Bino Rideaux.
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Dom credits her mother, older brother, and uncle for encouraging and cultivating different environments for artistic expression. Making art accessible and pushing the boundaries of traditional portrait techniques has awarded the artist an official studio space on Crenshaw Blvd. between King and Stocker.
The Human and Divine store is a multifunctional space where customers can purchase hats, shirts, shorts, sweaters, paintings of any size, or place custom orders with the artist. Students are welcome to indulge in creating art where there are a plethora of books, pencils, paper, and paint. Dom carefully curates all the various pieces on the walls and the floor.
“Human and Divine was created to spread God’s word through my artwork. I believe we are 100% human, and we are 100% God. I represent people who have been through things, and I create my own versions of humans of how I see them. People rarely look like what they’ve been through, and I incorporate that into my art. I try to push God’s message in my own creative way to bring light and joy. I’m inspired by daily life, my favorite artists are Basquiat, Banksy, and Keith Haring.”
Dom opened the studio doors to the community earlier this year with several weekend workshops and a spring break art camp. Every weekend the studio is filled with eager artists ages 5-17, ready to explore their talents.
(Shelby Stephens)Within the next five years Dom hopes to open another Human Divine location, secure museum placements for her art, and travel the world. The artist is currently developing an after-school program and a variety of art classes like sip and paint and LEGGO building.
“Being here is a blessing, a huge blessing. I like to pour into the kids because they are the future. I want to help them and give them different outlets to express themselves. Its not too many places out here that give people something creative to do. Art is for everybody.”
In such a short period of time Dom has become a necessary influence in Black expression. Her personal approach to art has fostered conversation, connection, and community.
All Human and Divine designs are available for order or in-person at 4088 Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008. Book a class online at theartistdom.co, and view the latest drops on Instagram at Dom (@theartistdom). For custom inquiries, please reach out on Instagram or in-person.
