Minnie Evans, born in 1897, was a visionary African-American folk artist. Employed by a wealthy white family as a housekeeper, Evans heard a voice which told her to draw or die, so she began to draw. She claims her drawings were inspired by God, and produced through visions that she received by him. Evans once stated, ""this art that I have put out has come from the nations I suppose might have been destroyed before the flood. . . . No one knows anything about them, but God has given it to me to bring [them] back into the world." Her work combines bright colors, figures and nature into intricate designs which reflect her peaceful, loving perspective of God and his connection with all things around us.
One other aspect that I love about Minnie Evans and her work is that it does not seem to come from an black woman working in the south during the early to mid 1900's. During a time of oppression, segregation, and the economic hardships that the black community struggled with during that time, her work has no connection to that but rather reflects a beautiful sense of freedom and serenity. Instead of producing work which represented the social-economic and oppressive situation of African Americans, it focuses only on God's love, beauty, and spirituality.
Maybe the voice telling her to "draw or die" was key to her happiness, peace, and serenity. Her beautiful work provided an outlet from life's troubles and brought her a connection with God, the universe, and inner peace. Above and below are images of Minnie Evans and her folk art.
