Get to know artist Alloyius Mcilwaine
The artist behind this month’s Black History Month Strawberry Basil Lemonade label.
Alloyius Mcilwaine
Hometown:
Philadelphia, PA
Tell us about the inspiration behind your label and how it connects to Black History Month.
I really wanted to create an image that showcased the power and beauty of the culture, so I decided that I would create a silhouette of a beautiful black woman with an Afro. I then filled the silhouette in with colors, words and symbols that represent the journey -- past, present and future -- of Black people in America.
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Alloyius Mcilwaine
Hometown:
Philadelphia, PA
Tell us about the inspiration behind your label and how it connects to Black History Month.
I really wanted to create an image that showcased the power and beauty of the culture, so I decided that I would create a silhouette of a beautiful black woman with an Afro. I then filled the silhouette in with colors, words and symbols that represent the journey -- past, present and future -- of Black people in America.
Is there any special symbolism in the figures chosen or the colors used?
I’ve developed a visual language with my art called Kudoglyphs, which are positive affirmations in symbol form. With my design, I included Kudoglyphs that represent growth, healing, dreams, structure, passion, strength, energy, and more.
How would you describe your artistic process?
I would say that a fair amount of it is serendipitous in nature. I tend to freestyle based on the energy that I’m feeling regarding a particular subject…and I try to build on that initial energy and attempt to give it structure.
How did you get your start as an artist?
Art is something that I’ve always done. I started out when I was three years old, copying pictures from my favorite comic book, and as I got older, I began to study different styles from graffiti to comic book art and pop art and from classic to contemporary. I first emerged on the scene as a clothing designer, and then I began to spread my wings as a mural artist. Now, I design clothing, paint murals, and showcase my work on canvases at galleries such as Morton Contemporary Gallery.
Is there any special symbolism in the figures chosen or the colors used?
I’ve developed a visual language with my art called Kudoglyphs, which are positive affirmations in symbol form. With my design, I included Kudoglyphs that represent growth, healing, dreams, structure, passion, strength, energy, and more.
How would you describe your artistic process?
I would say that a fair amount of it is serendipitous in nature. I tend to freestyle based on the energy that I’m feeling regarding a particular subject…and I try to build on that initial energy and attempt to give it structure.
How did you get your start as an artist?
Art is something that I’ve always done. I started out when I was three years old, copying pictures from my favorite comic book, and as I got older, I began to study different styles from graffiti to comic book art and pop art and from classic to contemporary. I first emerged on the scene as a clothing designer, and then I began to spread my wings as a mural artist. Now, I design clothing, paint murals, and showcase my work on canvases at galleries such as Morton Contemporary Gallery.
When you’re not busy creating art pieces, how do you like to spend your free time?
The funny thing is, painting is my hobby as well as my job, so I’m often painting murals even when I have time off! Outside of that, I’m a very social person, and I enjoy dining out and watching and playing in sporting events. I also love my video games.
Do you have a favorite Pressed juice or product? Please share.
Oh, there are a lot of products that I love. I’d say that my favorites include apple, pineapple, lemon, and kale and Strawberry Basil Lemonade and Watermelon Pomegranate come to mind, but there are still a lot of flavors that I have to taste!
To learn more about Mcilwaine, visit alloyiusmcilwaineart.com or @culturesclothing on Instagram.
