is guided by the hand of God
By DANYELLA C. DAVIS
Movement, color, form and symmetry often describe art, and a painted canvas often evokes emotions. However in this case, itās not the emotion of the artist in which the art conveys, but rather what lies in the eye of the beholder and the manifestation from oneās own experience that guides the eye.
The artist behind these works, Cheryl C. Brooks, also known as C. Candy B says her gift for creation of fine abstract artwork is guided by the hand of God. A talent she never knew she possessed and one she refers to as a hidden treasure, which she insists on sharing with the world.
āIn my mind I thought an artist was one who could paint a landscape or a picture of you or me. I didnāt realize that art was abstract as well as shapes and colors forming together until I left a lecture about the artist Clementine Hunter. I thought to myself I can do that,ā said Brooks.
Referring to herself as a constant doodler around the house, Brooks never thought she would or could turn this hobby into a respected art form. However, Brooks expresses that this was not something she chose, but rather something that God choose for her, and in her dedication to be obedient the artist within emerged.
The artist said, ā93ā is when I did my first show, and I sold my first piece at my church Bread of Life. I was just so grateful. I couldnāt believe that someone liked my work so much that they were willing to pay whatever I asked for it. Itās just truly a gift from God.ā
Modest, meek and humble are the characteristics behind this artist and those closest to her ā Durea Rupert and Deborah Saunders are grateful their journey has involved such a woman of character.
āWe were all created for the good and with Candy she really tries to help us decipher our good from our bad. She is a healer and itās nothing intentional. She is who she is because God cleansed her. She is a pleasure to be around and to be in her company,ā said Rupert.
Brooksā pieces have been known to elicit conversation through her bold use of color and form. Her multitudes of work include pieces and arrangements from bookmarks, C. Candy B. calendars, which include quotes and what she calls food for thought. One could either frame the artwork or hang the inspirational messages, painted vases, placemats and her new venture, C. Candy B. words of wisdom t-shirts and what she refers to as wearable art from the candy store.
āMy artwork opens the door for people to be vulnerable, which is such a beautiful thing because it allows them to be led by their spirit. I donāt preconceive anything; itās truly a gift. As I create I pray. I put the brush in my hand and then from there the spirit leads me. It could take me anywhere from a week to a month to three months,ā said Brooks.
Brooksā artwork has been displayed at the Urban League, the Indianapolis Museum of Art during Meet the Artist and at several other venues and events. Her most recent debut was at an event titled The Spirit of Color, which was her first showing by herself featured at KafĆ© Karma.
āIt was awesome, and Iām still high from all the energy and excitement. Itās so amazing. It makes me feel great deep within, and it makes me smile because I know itās truly God smiling,ā expresses Brooks.
Every move Brooks makes as a woman and as an artist is motivated by her way of life and deep-rooted belief in God. According to Saunders, Brooksā work is an inspiration to people.
āShe makes sure everything is Godly inspired. She is an ambassador of the Lord. Having gone through several things in her life all of which have brought her closer to him, she is just a wonderful person,ā said Saunders.
Brooks is currently in the process of giving seven pieces of artwork to seven churches in which she has already blessed four with her creativity that include Light of the World, First Free Will Baptist, Bread of Life and a church located in Cincinnati. Her next venture is in the creation of her wearable art. Though Brooks admits she knows not where to start, who will print neither them nor the business aspect behind her venture, she rests in knowing God will create a way.
āWe all have beautiful gifts. I donāt want to be like the man with all the gifts who buries them. I donāt want to bury the gifts that God gave me. I want to share them with the world,ā said B.