Artist Whitney Stanley had mostly kept her art private. That all changed in 2020 when George Floyd was brutally murdered by the police. Together with many other local artists, Whitney created murals dedicated to injustice, all over downtown Durham. We checked in with her:

The weather that makes you most happy?

I think a sunny 73 degrees is the best weather for general purposes - warm enough to encourage me to go outside, yet cool enough to keep me outside. When the weather is right, I feel invincible and energized.

Left to right: Whitney Stanley’s mural, Downtown Durham, 2020; Whitney’s and other artists’ murals for Black Lives Matter marches, downtown Durham, 2020. Photo credits, left: Whitney Stanley’s archives; right: Julie Tetel Andresen.

Preferred media for your art and why?

I'd say acrylic paint and oil pastels. They were the first formal art materials my mom and dad bought me as a child. My parents also allowed me free reign with materials found around the house (my mom received several aluminum foil based Mother's Day gifts). I also like working with mixed media. Recently, I’ve incorporated various kinds of tape and plastic sheeting into my works.

Recent creation you’d like to share with us?

I’ve been using old photographs as references for the pieces I've created recently. I'm working from a photo of my paternal grandfather in a tweed suit giving someone a side eye; the picture tickles me. I'm about halfway done with the piece, but I can share its progress! I tried a new plastic material and it's not behaving how I expected, so I'm figuring out how to tackle that challenge at the moment.

What’s your favorite destination?
I like to travel to new places, especially with friends and family. I'm the 'always-down-for-a-trip' friend and cousin. The last amazing trip I experienced was Venice for the Biennale Arte 2022 festival during the Loophole of Retreat in October. It was amazing to experience this art and culture with other Black women in art from around the world (and Durham!). It was great to make new friends and to get inspired with them. It was really touching when the local women I connected with in Venice then came to the opening reception of my show at 21c.

Last time you drank champagne?

Last time I drank champagne was for this photo shoot with my close friend who attended as my 'hype woman'! I read a tweet that suggested romanticizing your life as often as possible. I definitely try to do that; I got the interview questions before the shoot and decided the shoot was a good time to celebrate with champagne.

Don’t miss Whitney’s solo exhibit at 21c Hotel Durham "We Just Be" on view until May, 2023.

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Whitney Stanley

Nick Davis

Mike Krzyzewski