Her Story
About Andrea
Carlton Faison is a mixed media artist and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience creating art pieces that engage and touch people around the world. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Faison moved to America seven years ago to pursue the arts, drawing inspiration from a family of creators including a grandmother who was a pianist and artists, and a father who was a pioneer in Caribbean Carnival costumes. With a background in business and marketing, Faison incorporates materials such as crushed glass, metals, and feathers into abstracts and portraits that highlight the positive side of life experiences and cultural storytelling. Faison has earned an honorary doctorate and the Vanguard Award, and attributes success to consistency, discipline, and staying true to a vision while leading with purpose and trusting in God. In addition to creating work for international exhibitions and notable collectors, Faison mentors young ladies to help them develop both their craft and business acumen, and serves as a strong advocate for women and women's health.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Andrea
01What do you attribute your success to?
My consistency, discipline, and staying true to my vision. Talent may open the door, but it's commitment, perseverance, and the willingness to keep showing up, especially when no one is watching. I also believe in leading with purpose and trusting God through uncertainty, creating work that leaves impact rather than simply following trends.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Master your craft before choosing recognition. Build your skills, protect your integrity, and don't compromise values for quick success. Also, learn the business side of art just as seriously as the creative side, because talent alone isn't enough. Most importantly, create work that is honest to who you are. Trends come and go. But authenticity has a lasting impact.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges: helping people understand the value behind original work, seeing the years of practice and craftsmanship, and balancing creativity and entrepreneurship while protecting time and mental space. Opportunities: exhibitions, connecting with people around the world, using art as a catalyst for connection, healing, cultural storytelling, inspiring dialogue, preserving history, and transforming spaces.
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