Alicia DianneAs an illustrator and storyteller, my work focuses on Afrocentric culture, women's empowerment, and the ongoing influence of history on the present. I take a research-centered approach to storytelling, crafting narratives that draw on contemporary isues. Through fantasy, I blend tragedy and comedy to address complex topics, disempower fears, and challenge stereotypes, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own biases.​My graphic novel series, Jaydi's Story, grew out of a desire to explore faith and the complex emotions surrounding missionary influence, told through the perspective of an African girl. To bring this narrative to life, I developed a distinct visual language rooted in African culture. The series was shaped by intensive studies of East African landscapes, which I captured using traditional techniques such as watercolor, pastels, acrylics and mixed media. These studies informed the vibrant digital art that defines Jaydi's Story.​The series examines colonization's lasting impact on Africa, including poverty, corruption, and exploitation, while raising awareness within the African Diaspora. For me, this project is both a creative endeavor and a personal journey of rediscovery. As an African American/African Caribbean woman, Jaydi's Story is a love letter to Africa, expressing frustration with injustice and hope for a brighter future. Read More Read Less