Conversations with Yazmin ‘Yazz” Atmore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yazmin ‘Yazz” Atmore

Hi Yazmin ‘Yazz”, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story is a bit of a trippy one. I had never plan on being an artist, I always thought I would be just a cute little art teacher who wore overalls all the time. But obviously, the spirits had another plan. I have been an educator for the last 12 years. Back in 2020 I was working as a middle school art teacher and was told I needed to take the praxis test to keep my job (essentially a statewide test to “prove” I knew how to teach art on top of providing a art portfolio.) Although, I have always taught and created art with students, I didn’t go to school for strictly teaching and art. I actually got to create my own degree: BA in Supporting High-Risk youth through the arts. Additionally, at the time I hadn’t created art works for myself in 13 years, so I actually had no idea what type of art medium I was good at. So fast forward my boss happen to give me a box of collage things right before I got the news I needed to take the praxis test. As I scrambled to figure out what my style of art was, all I remember was getting these visions in my head as I played with collaging. Some may call it premonitions, other may call it “downloads” from the spirit world. Either way half the time I don’t know why I choose the colors, faces, themes, etc until after the piece is done (each one of my piece has a name a “message” behind it.)

Fast forward, I never got around to taking the praxis test. I actually needed to take no pay time off to help my dad with his hip surgery because the school district I was working for wouldn’t let me still work from home even though all my classes were online. However, I came across a Black History Art gallery show on Instagram that was looking for Black artists and I decided to reach out and put some of the pieces I was woking on int the show. Surprisingly…all my pieces sold and that’s what helped me pay my bills that month. By the summer, I was a full time artist and the rest is history.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say the road has been smooth or rough. Just like any journey it has its ups and downs, seasons of feats and famines, losses and gains & learning and growth. But I can say, the road has come with much ease, not necessarily easy; but an ease when you know destiny and fate is at play.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
“Art is just conversations with God.” -Yazz

I like to think of my work as a portal/ meeting ground between the viewer and the Divine. A gentle reminder that everything is interconnected and how separateness is merely an illusion.

I am a community organizer, creative & educator in Denver, Colorado where I mentor and create with young artists as they explore their lives, stories, and passions through the beauty of art. Constantly, inspired by the youth + community I work with, I have had the privilege to continue to develop & deepened my own artistry as a collagist, muralist & floral enthusiast. My art explores and dabbles in the themes of spirituality, ancient and ancestral wisdom, nature & afro-futurism through story telling, collaging and the building/ re-building of worlds. My work is also heavily influenced by my spiritual journey as I love exploring the spirit world with God, Ancestors & my Spirit Team. As an expressionist intuitive mixed media artist I create breathtaking floral pieces, hand cut collage and digital works, with the use of bright bold colors, metallic paints and gold leaf.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
1. Be completely delusional. Create the life you want to live and experience fully, unapologetically and authentically. We forget just how powerful we really are. You are the creator & artist of your journey, act like it! Take the risks, remember rejection is divine redirection & remember everything comes with a price, so what are you willing to pay?

2. Community is everything! It is not only who you know, but who knows you! 98% of the opportunities I have gotten is because someone mentioned my name because I am literally outside most of the time. So go outside and meet people, sell your art at the markets (big or small), go to the shows, build & cultivate community, apply for the grants & events, exchange your information proudly (sell yourself, you’re your own brand). And remember, the burden of survival is not meant to be carried alone. We thrive and heal in community!

3. Life is so abundant. Contrary to popular belief, there is enough to go around. Use what you got (get creative and resourceful). We also live in a time where we can literally learn anything with the use of the internet; so use it! Trust your timing, trust your self, trust you’re taken care by your ancestors, your spirits, your community & yourself. And lastly. HAVE FUN; let your inner child guide you on this journey we call life!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artbyyazz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chattyancestors/

Image Credits
Artist Head Shot: Phillip Loken