We’re looking forward to introducing you to Maliyah Clark. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Maliyah, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I believe a lot of people struggle with feeling like they don’t fit in or belong. I made a zine called “I think there’s something wrong with me'”. It’s a series of short comics exploring feeling sad and out of place. Often, when people read this zine, they are shocked that they aren’t the only ones feeling that way. When you realize so many people feel out of place, you realize no one is.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Maliyah Clark. I am a Black, queer artist from Northeast Ohio. I have a lifelong love for creating and sharing art. I followed my passions to Detroit, Michigan, and received a BFA with a major in illustration from the College for Creative Studies. This passion has also led me to an internship with the Whitney Museum of American Art. I create artwork that centers on people of color, along with bridging the gap between fantasy illustration and the representation of Black people being depicted in the genre. I utilize a range of traditional mixed media and digital techniques to create inviting scenery and meditative fugitive illustrations. I believe in the importance of sharing my artwork in many forms: murals, cover art, editorial illustrations, art prints, and comics.
My twin Sister, Makaylah, and I run a small business called “Black Star.” Through our joint efforts and artistic creation, we sell our artwork in accessible forms. We sell our work at pop-up shops and conventions. Our work can also be found in stores like Northside Marketplace in Akron, Ohio, and Heights Arts in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Growing up, I was a really shy kid who was so afraid to take up space. As a kid, it was a helpful way to get myself through school while avoiding the judgment of my peers. This mentality kept me feeling safe for a very long time. However, with me pursuing a career in art, it’s really important that I take up space and make my work known.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
My biggest fear that has held me back is driving. For many people, this may sound ridiculous. Not having a license and not being a confident driver have kept me from many opportunities. Slowly but surely, I’m getting over this fear. I only got my license earlier this year. I’m excited for the opportunities I’ll have access to now that I can drive.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe the contemporary art world was an inclusive and progressive space. I experienced so many institutions in this current age saying they believe in these values, while not practicing them at all. I’ve learned now that it is naive to trust institutions to mean what they say.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am definitely doing what I was born to do. Ever since I was little, I loved drawing and creating art. I couldn’t imagine a future where I wasn’t making art. I have been able to make and share art with so many people. I achieved my dreams sooner than I could have hoped for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mvclarkstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mvclarkstudios/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maliyah-clark-7938591b8/
- Youtube: https://www.instagram.com/mvclarkstudios/
- Other: TikTok:
@mvclarkstudios
Art Shop:
https://blackstarcore.square.site/
