Written by Chelsea A. Hamlet
Summer at the Mount Vernon Public Library was eventful. Many creatives (artists, musicians, and authors) held events to discuss their work and the library hosted multiple programs (movie nights, book clubs, and professional development seminars) for the community to enjoy.
What was exceptionally great about this summer was that many Mount Vernon natives returned to their roots to showcase their creative work. One group of Mount Vernon creatives who made a statement in our gallery was the artistic trio, Artist 3.
Artist 3 consists of Erica Buchanan, woodwork artist; Ayana Wigfall, mixed media artist; and Elizabeth Maynard, photographer and mixed media artist. The beauty behind their collaboration is that they are related. Erica and Elizabeth are sisters while Ayana is their closest cousin.
The Mount Vernon Public Library had the opportunity to talk to Artist 3 about their journey as artists, how their collaboration began, and their experience working with the Mount Vernon Public Library.
How did your journey as artists begin?
Erica: I always loved to draw, paint and create as a child. I was encouraged by my parents to explore my passions, so I explored art all throughout school and into my college years.
Ayana: I always liked sewing, fiber arts and drawing when I was younger. As I grew [up]I loved to experiment with other art mediums.
Elizabeth: I watched my father paint and he let me experiment with oils.
What made you ladies decide to collaborate?
Erica: I am passionate about people exploring their love of art and music (or anything they are passionate about). We all have professions we exercise, but [we]thought it would be great and important to exercise our other gifts. Without us exercising this element of our life, our souls would be incomplete. I requested for us to start an artist group [and]we formed Artist 3 in the fall of 2014.
How did you decide on the name Artist 3?
Erica: I came up with the concept and name. Simply, we are three artists. We are a group but separate. We have the same goal, but are distinctly different. Hence our symbol, which I designed.
What common goal do the three of you share?
Erica / Ayana / Elizabeth: Our common goal is to have others be inspired by our work, to [help people]explore [the]passions they have and [to encourage people]not to be afraid to exercise [those]passions.
It’s great that you want your work to inspire others. Who are your individual inspirations?
Erica: God, my close friends, my children and various musical artists.
Ayana: Art educators from high school and college as well as Faith Ringgold (my favorite artist).
Elizabeth: God, Earl Brown (my father), music and my high school art teacher.
While we’re on the topic of inspiration, what inspired you all to create the Artist 3 exhibit for the library?
Erica / Ayana / Elizabeth: As artists, we feel that art is [an]act of expression in life that represents various experiences, beliefs and ideas. Art is all around us and is seen in the very landscapes of our earth. The three of us share a common passion: nature and its elements. In nature, we find water, plants, flowers, trees, wood and so much more. If treasured and kept sacred, these elements can offer aesthetic beauty, preservation of life and stability of creation for generations to come.
This art exhibit would be a time for the public to view, ponder, and appreciate [the]elements of nature through various art mediums.
How did you coordinate with the library to host the Artist 3 exhibition?
Erica: I was looking for a music school for my three sons. In doing research, I came across the Mount Vernon School of Music. I contacted the school to inquire about enrollment for my sons and the administrator of the school (Judy Williams) asked for an email address for communication purposes. I gave her my email, where she asked what I did for a living [and]I told her I was a leader in education in NYC. She replied, “Oh I thought you were an artist”. I said, “I am but I work with two other artists.” I shared our work with her and here we are!
What do you love most about the Mount Vernon Public Library?
Erica: I love the rich history. I used to work at the library years ago. [I love] the architecture of the building itself. I love that it’s the largest library in Westchester and sits as a resource for the other libraries in Westchester. I [also} love that there’s a push to preserve it.
Ayana: [It] has a rich resource for historical art books. I did research there from high school to college.
Elizabeth: [It’s at] a convenient location, there’s helpful staff, and [it’s a] great resource for the community.
As Mount Vernon natives, what do you love most about Mount Vernon?
Erica: The homes, the real town feel, and the country landscape.
Ayana: Though [Mount Vernon] is considered a city, I still get to experience nature and see my favorite bird: the raven.
Elizabeth: What I liked about Mount Vernon was band day; the parades; the “old” memorial field; and the sense of community. We knew [all]our neighbors.
What advice do you have for Mount Vernon artists and other creatives?
Erica: Practice, practice, practice! Do what you love; make time to create beauty around you; find your source of inspiration and leave space for creation.
Ayana: Find what you enjoy doing and build on that.
Elizabeth: Be true to yourself, don’t conform and think outside of the box.
Erica, Ayana, and Elizabeth have a special relationship that goes beyond their blood line. They’re bonded by a common passion that drives their creative vision as Artist 3. The artwork they create cannot be limited to white walls and canvas; their artwork reflects the world, wonder and beauty around them.
If you are interested in having Artist 3 showcase their work at your next event, please email artdeco29@aol.com.