
I am diedria pigues
"It is my DUTY, and my PURPOSE, to leave my mark on this world, blessing and inspiring others along the way!" -DP
“A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.” Proverbs 18:16
About the Artist
I am truly blessed to be able to share my gift and talent with the world. I sit and look at some the things I have created and know that it is all possible because of my heavenly father. I can't help but to shout "Thank You Jesus"! I currently reside in Memphis, TN with my loving husband Chris and four daughters; India, Mykala, Alana, and Katelyn.
I'm a Mississippi native and Memphis based visual artist born in Jackson, MS. I've lived in Tulsa, OK, and Liberal KS, but I was raised in a small rural town called Ethel, MS (located near Kosciusko, MS). I started drawing around 10 years old, and my teachers inspired me to always stay in art, which led me to pursue a career in the arts. I graduated from Ethel High School in 1997, moved to Hattiesburg MS, where I earned a BFA in graphic design from the University of Southern Mississippi. Studying in this field opened my eyes up to the possibilities of creating artwork digitally, I was hooked. After graduating in 2002, I moved to Jackson, MS and worked as a graphic designer at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. I relocated to Atlanta, GA where I worked as a freelance graphic designer. Eventually I decided to move closer to home, I was hired as a graphic designer at the Pink Palace Museum and Lichterman Nature Center in Memphis, TN, and I've lived in Memphis ever since.
My work experience is quite diverse, in addition to being a graphic designer and illustrator, I decided to pursue my love for teaching art in 2007. I received a Master of Art in Teaching degree from Memphis College of Art. I've been an art educator for Shelby County Schools for over a decade. My love for teaching children is both satisfying and challenging. As an educator, there is never a dull day in my classroom. Teaching and sharing my knowledge of art with our youth is truly fulfilling. Every art lesson I teach is related to something involving history, math, science, and social studies classes. I take pride in my students coming to visit me as adults and telling me how much they learned in my class. I am constantly finding ways to teach my students how to give back to the community by organizing and supporting many charitable events at my school. I love inspiring young minds and helping them to reach their full potential!
What I do is driven by my faith, I'm fixated on my mission and passion to create art that inspires, and impacts others. I don't focus on what everyone else is doing, but rather stay grateful for my abilities, that allow me to bless those that love art. Throughout this journey I have received unprecedented feedback and support from family, friends, and customers. I couldn't possibly be living this dream without their love and support. I am currently exhibiting my work at shows throughout the U.S., and plan to showcase my talent internationally in the near future.

ARTIST STATEMENT
I developed an early interest in portraiture, black folk art, and work centered around black art movements, and aesthetic traditions of Africa.The dominant portion of my work investigates identity, spirituality, strength, empowerment, the struggle and triumphs of minorities, and is mostly based around themes that represent self love. I also address topics of race/ethnicity/equality and cultural identities. My artwork is vibrant, colorful, full of life, and captures the essence of my subjects, which are intricate and thought provoking. My artwork speaks to the soul because of the powerful messages embedded in the imagery. The subject matter of my work is largely derived from real-life events, personal photographs, paintings created with and without visual reference, and women of African descent of all shapes, shades, and sizes. I combine Ink, Gouache, Gesso, Pastel, Collage, Charcoal, Acrylic with Watercolor and oil to produce a vibrant, interesting Mixed Media Composition. Most of my paintings are created with a method of painting using paper, acrylic paint, resin, fabric, and molding paste.