Meet Selima Dawson | Visual Artist, Metalsmith, Jewelry Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Selima Dawson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Selima, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania but I was born in Harlem, NY. I was only there until age 2 or 3 but I always mention New York City because it a big part of my story. My father, Morris Dawson was born during the Harlem Renaissance and was known as a folk artist and photographer among other creative disciplines. My mother was also a creative, a writer and seamstress. I was encouraged in my creativity from a young age and I began to call myself an artist at 3 years of age. I remember that because artist is the oldest word I’ve used to describe myself. I understood that art was made to be shared and promoted and that one could make a living from it. That’s not to say I knew how, but I have been inspired by my father’s tenacity and persistence in his work. I have returned to art over and over as an outlet and away to provide for myself. I’m getting closer to making it my primary focus.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a visual artist, jewelry designer and metalsmith. Sometimes I refer to myself as a metal artist as I branch into making larger metal pieces and incorporate metals into multimedia works. I studied art in grade school and attended Pratt Institute for year as a fine arts and painting major. I went to horticulture school to complete my education, that also informs my work. I really credit my business, Blakbird Jewelry for where I am now. Blakbird Jewelry was an on and thing for me until about 2018 when I decided give it another try. I created a line of hand cut bronze jewelry-before that I worked with brass. I began sharing my progress on Instagram and creatives in Pittsburgh started reaching out to me with opportunities. Those connections led to me being accepted to a creative business residency that gave me my first studio space and business support. The biggest miracle of Blakbird Jewelry is that my father’s family found me through an article about Blakbird.
I took some time away from jewelry production after receiving a grant from the Pittsburgh Foundation. I wanted time to process all that was happening in my life and get back to my ancestral and visual art roots.
I began a project called The Memoranda in which I remember my ancestors and connect with newly found family through different artistic mediums including writing. This project has allowed me to share my gift of storytelling and speak about art as a vehicle for growth and healing.
None of it has been easy. It’s been difficult to work day jobs at different times. I have great intuition but the biggest lesson has been to trust myself especially when I’m navigating new spaces and feel intimidated. I have learned to respect my unique artistic journey even when I don’t feel like I’m getting anywhere. Through trusting myself and spiritual guidance I always end up connecting to the right people and opportunities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I really like Redstart Roasters in East Liberty. They sell bird-safe coffee. I love coffee and birds. That would be the first stop. I would definitely recommend taking a trip downtown to see where the 3 Rivers meet. An incline trip is also fun. Also drive down some really steep hills. There’s good shopping, coffee, and restaurants in Lawrenceville, Shadyside, and Garfield. I would also recommend visiting and researching the Hill District, a historically African American neighborhood. I also love the Carnegie Library and Museums. There are some really nice riverfront parks in the area because there’s a river everywhere you go. Great places for biking or just relaxing

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout my creative coach, Azriel Weaver. He has been extremely helpful over the past couple years in terms of providing support and encouragement of my creative visions.

Website: https://www.memorandaproject.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C52Bu35NAuv/

Other: Blakbird Jewelry Website: https://blakbirdjewelry.com/ Instagram: @blakbirdjewelry Azriel Weaver Creative Coach: https://www.azrielweaver.com/

Image Credits
Photo of Selima credit: Suzanne Salo All other Photos taken by me