Valerie Lowder is a Black, queer portrait artist based in Chicago. She is inspired by the way the human face and body speak a language that is both universal and intimate. She deeply appreciates the way portraits are personal, yet speak to the collective human experience: what it means to have a body, a mind, a soul. Valerie centers Black femmes in her work. As a Black femme herself, she is hyper-aware that we don’t often have the opportunity to narrate our own stories. Too often reflections of Black femmes are a creation of misogynoir. The process of drawing Black femmes is gratifying and cathartic for her, as she meditates on their beauty, softness, sensitivity, and strength. Valerie is currently studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, persuing her BFA.
