Séphora Joannes is a crown artist from Martinique whose work is inspired by ancestral rituals, geometry, vegetation, sci-fi and more.
This Francophone full-time hair stylist created her visual universe to convey pride in Black coils. She was inspired by hair artist named Angela Plummer from London after going natural herself.
The below interview from Bon Femmes has been abbreviated for your reading pleasure. All images are courtesy of the Artist.
BF: What sparked your interest in Hair Artistry?
SJ: 10 years ago when I stopped relaxing my hair I began to look at my natural texture differently then I discovered a great hair artist named Angela Plummer from London. I was really amazed by her work. Later I started to create my own universe.
BF: Are you a full-time hair stylist? If so, how did you make the decision?
SJ: Yes I am a full time hair stylist, hair artist and braider. I was unemployed and depressed before but my art brought me back to life, good partnership, amazing clients, great models, and so much. It’s like my initiation, my mission I made this decision naturally.
BF: Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by my ancestors rituals, geometrical shapes, vegetation, sci-fi and my readings.
BF: Are your designs based off anything in particular or are they all organic creations?
Most of my works are organic and sometimes I get some ancestral inspiration like masks or Tiara
BF: How do you stay motivated when you experience a creative rut?(if you ever experience a creative rut with your medium)
I’m not always motivated. When I don’t have inspiration I don’t force it, I do something else like dancing, have a great conversation, walk, meditate or write. It helps me clear my mind then I can go back to my creative land.
BF: What is your ultimate goal with your artwork?
I really want to create a hair art school!
BF: What do you want people to take away from your creations?
From my creations I want people to understand the great power of embracing and loving this amazing culture. Hair art is a real art, hair care is holistic.