Jerrolyn Crooks DeGracia
Jerrolyn Crooks DeGracia
Jerrolyn Crooks DeGracia is a renowned artist with a background in fashion design from Parsons School of Design. She designed the Men’s Parade Outfit for the Mexico Olympiad and excelled in sportswear. Transitioning to fine arts, she continues to create pen and ink fashion drawings in addition to soft pastel portraits that celebrate the beauty of the Black diaspora.
As a Founding Member of Where We At black women artists, and Member of the National League of American Pen Women, she continues to inspire through her art.
Jerrolyn’s art reflects the beauty of the Black diaspora through vibrant pen and ink fashion drawings and soft pastel portraits. With a foundation in fashion design, she brings a unique perspective to fine art, celebrating the strength and elegance of my people. Each piece is a testament to the richness and diversity of Black culture, inviting awake and aware viewers to experience the world through her eyes.
Originally I was an abstract oil painter. Intuitively I would add more paint, movement, shape and texture to the work. As the piece developed, the color would bring me into the painting. My work was emotionally expressive, pressing my feelings out onto the canvas. Now, drawing with pastels my work is more about deliberate choices. My painting compositions reflect my stories about travel, love and family. My inspiration is derived from mother nature, learning and exploring the world outside myself as well as my internal journey of self-reflection.
For further information, visit Beverly’s website: WWW.BEVERLYASMITH.COM