A monthly theme inspires new conversations and ideas that we otherwise wouldn’t think about. At our virtual events, speakers are invited to share a story around the theme and what it means to them. After a month, we are excited to see the talks and inspiration that are born out of the theme.

Given that these monthly illustrations are at events all around the world, it’s only right that we get to know the illustrator. It is a tradition at CreativeMornings to work with an artist in our community to create an illustration for the monthly theme.

CreativeMornings/Charlotte chose January’s Free theme, and Lo’Vonia Parks created the accompanying illustration.

“The illustration of FREE is centered around the joy of the new year being a fresh, bright start. I feel the beginning of the new year conjures up images of sunshine, bright days and a galaxy full of wonder. The joyous character looks to the sky with new hope and dreams to be discovered, all while the stars and cosmos dance within their hair. The roller skate earrings encourage you to keep rolling!”

We’re excited to share some of our favorite artworks created by Lo’Vonia!

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About Lo’Vonia Parks

Lo’Vonia Parks is an illustrator, caricaturist, and mixed media artist in Charlotte, NC. Her work draws on a thought-provoking mix of history and pop culture to tell innovative and slyly humorous visual stories. “I’m trying to change the perception of what is considered fine art using all the elements at my disposal,” Parks said. Her weapons of choice are mainly paint on canvas and, for mixed media sculptures, perler beads — the retro staple of nostalgia crafts. As part of her Icons series, Parks has reimagined Drake, Biggie, Tupac and Beyonce with perler beads.

Parks graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Illustration before learning live event caricature under professional artist Justin Galloway at Six Flags over Georgia.

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Selected Works

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You can see more of Lo’Vonia’s work on her Instagram and website.