Meet Janeva Tyree | Artist & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janeva Tyree and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janeva, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Pursuing a career in the arts is not for the faint-hearted, but the rewards are immeasurable and fulfilling. The artistic pathway provides a platform to be creative, innovative, and embrace mistakes on the journey to discovery, both inward and outward. It requires a deep connection to self and others, and I’ve made a commitment to this journey.

In the pursuit of artistic success, resilience is an essential quality. As an artist, I have learned invaluable lessons about tenacity, determination, and relentlessness. While there have been moments where I considered giving up, I’ve learned to laugh at the idea and remove it from the realm of possibilities. I firmly believe that success requires perseverance, and never giving up is the key to achieving your dreams.

As an artist, I’ve had to pivot my career many times. With each decision, I strive to learn and grow. It’s essential to take risks and pursue opportunities that excite you while fostering new ideas. There’s no one-size-fits-all roadmap to success, but passion will take you far, and commitment will take you further.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
ARTISTIC MISSION OF JANEVA TYREE My artistic mission is to connect and inspire individuals through “Art that Sparks: Conversation. Connection. Creativity. Community.” My art celebrates themes that honor the Black experience, the American experience, the divine feminine, beings of this world, spirits of this universe, and an ethereal essence created in the image of God. Each piece of artwork is an extension of myself, my story, and the world that we share together.

THE POWER OF BROKEN PIECES
My story is made up of broken pieces that I have learned to put back together, creating an even greater art piece. It is grounded in opportunity to acquire strength through obstacles and a divine belief that you can create the world that you want to live in. As children, we are not given many choices, but we are given opportunities to navigate life and soak in the world before we are told what is supposed to look like for us. Keeping that childlike curiosity and bringing it into adulthood has left the unimaginable attainable. I keep my goals high and my faith even higher, and I want this belief to resonate in all my artwork and message.

EMBRACING THE UNFINISHED
As an artist, one of my biggest challenges is following through and finishing a piece. I tend to get bored and anxious to move on to something new as the work comes together. Consequently, I have over one hundred unfinished pieces. However, I have learned to be kind to myself and embrace my creative process. I continually remind myself to push through and complete each piece as a form of self-motivation. Although I am my own biggest critic, the feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing a piece of art and sharing it with the world makes all the hard work and dedication worth it, every single time.

SHARING MY WORLD
My brand, Janeva Tyree, is a reflection of myself and how I would like to share all of me with the world. I hope to inspire, connect, and convey the many themes of the evolving world we live in. If you’re interested in witnessing my artwork or have a mural, fine art, apparel, or design inquiries, please visit www.JanevaTyree.com

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Charleston is a city with a vibrant culture, great food, and rich history. Here are some of the places I would recommend visiting for a truly immersive experience:

EXHIBITS/ATTRACTIONS

– International African American Museum, 14 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401.
Located at the port where 40% of enslaved Africans traveled through, this museum is a modern mecca exploring the roots of Black culture and history. It is worth a weekend trip to explore the multiple floors of history.

– South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401.
Explore the fascinating world of sea life up close and personal. This massive aquarium offers an amazing opportunity to learn about some of nature’s most beautiful aquatic animals.

SMALL BUSINESS/HERBAL SHOPS

– East Coast Fungi, 1813 Reynolds Ave, North Charleston, SC.
This health-centered shop is an excellent spot to learn about the health benefits of mushrooms that are grown in-house. It provides gourmet mushrooms for the public in many forms.

LUNCH/DINNER

– Herd Provisions, 106 Grove Street, Charleston, SC 29403.
For farm-to-table goodness, delectable drinks, and a modern ambiance, Herd Provisions is one of my favorite spots for lunch or dinner.

– Felix Cocktails et Cuisine, 550 King St #100, Charleston, SC 29403.
I love to dine at this Paris-inspired restaurant near downtown Charleston, which offers a gorgeous ambiance and exquisite cocktails and dinner.

– Rodney Scott’s BBQ, 1011 King St, Charleston, SC 29403.
Rodney’s serves up classic, down-south barbecue with tender, smoky meat and delicious homestyle sides. It’s one of the best BBQ spots in Charleston.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe a great deal of gratitude to God for guiding me on this creative journey. He has paved the way for me to get to where I am today, and given me the strength to weather the storms along the way. Although the road has not always been easy, it has been worth it.

My mom, Mercedes Tyree, has been an incredible source of encouragement throughout my artistic journey. From providing me with supplies to fuel my creativity at a young age, to taking me to art auditions for a high school Visual Arts prep program, she has nurtured my passion every step of the way. Even after graduation, she supported me in pursuing an entrepreneurial path in the arts. I am immensely grateful to have her unwavering support.

I have to give gratitude to my dad, Johnnie Tyree, for being there for me through all the major events in my life. From attending softball games to traveling hours to see my first Ted Talk on the importance of art in public spaces, he has always been a constant figure that I count on to always show up. I am deeply grateful for his presence in my life.

My family has been an incredible source of strength in my journey. My siblings and siblings-in-love have always been there to support me, never missing a beat when it came to my creative adventures. They have joined me for major events, including graduations and art reveals, often traveling across states with my nieces and nephews. My cousin Kristin is another source of inspiration, who has encouraged my creative journey since its conception. We have worked together on some of my most meaningful projects, which I will always hold dear.

My godsent aunts, uncles, and cousins, who were some of the first to support my business when it launched. Their words of encouragement continue to inspire me even during darker times, guiding me back to the light and helping me persevere. I am grateful for ALL of the family that kept me pushing from a young age to the creative adult that I have become today.

My best friend Gabby has been a constant companion throughout my creative journey for over 20 years. She has supported me and helped on almost every major project, and even travels across states to be there for me. I am so blessed to have such an amazing, talented, and supportive best friend and extended family.

I am incredibly grateful to the teachers who have shown immense patience with me throughout my artistic journey. From my nana, who first taught me to color between the lines, to the impactful art instructors of the VPA at Suitland High School, and my amazing art professors at the Savannah College of Art and Design, their guidance was crucial to my journey in passionately pursuing the arts.

I would like to express my gratitude towards the various artist support programs and grants that have allowed me to develop as an artist. Specifically, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Arts and Science Council for awarding me the Creative Mecklenburg Grant this year. This grant allows me to work on my new body of work, and I’m excited to curate and showcase this new collection. Additionally, I’d like to thank the City of Charlotte Urban Design Center for their contribution through the Charlotte Placemaking Grant, which allows me to fabricate sculptures for University City. Grants are a crucial pillar of support for artists, and I am grateful for the opportunities they’ve provided me to continue to develop, explore, and create.

I owe a great debt of gratitude to the wonderful individuals who provided me with opportunities to create in life. Whether it was hiring me as an art teacher or collaborations with University City Partners in curating art and events, or Maria Reyes of Care in Action, recognizing my talent and using it to support campaigns empowering Black women across the Carolinas, I am grateful for every chance and nourishment they provided me with.

I would like to thank to my extended family, friends, and supporters who have been an integral part of my journey. I want to give special thanks to Ja’Torian, whose influence inspired me to create my Nipsey collection and assisted me through many creative pursuits. Additionally, I would like to thank the friends and supporters who were the first to purchase my art pieces, visit my murals, participate in art events, and donate to my creative fund at the outset.

Also, to the talented photographers, videographers, and creatives who have artfully curated exceptional photo shoots and events, fostering spaces for creativity and documenting the process with such skill and precision.

While this is just a short list of the people that majorly impacted my journey along the way, it truly takes community. There are so many more, and for all of you, I am beyond blessed and truly thankful.

Website: www.JanevaTyree.com

Instagram: JanevaTyree – www.instagram.com/JanevaTyree

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/janevatyree

Facebook: JanevaTyreeArt – www.facebook.com/JanevaTyreeArt

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@janevatyree

Other: TikTok: JanevaTyree – www.tiktok.com/@janevatyree

Image Credits
Dweh Brown, Homebase Films Sir Will, SimplisticPhobia Photography