Yolanda Franklin, who has worked in the banking industry for 20+ years, is a phenomenal self-taught artist. At 52 years of age, Yolanda is ever-evolving her talent as a fiber glass and abstract artist. She first began to develop her appreciation for the arts by observing her mother, who was very talented in sewing, knitting and crocheting. Yolanda also credits her mother for encouraging her draw and create from her heart. Yolanda’s husband has also been a big influencer on her trajectory as an artist. As a self-employed IT Specialist, Yolanda’s husband created the website yoyoartvine.com and yoyoartbiz.com showcasing her work, and he has even been instrumental in naming some of her art pieces. Yolanda also credits the artist Penelope Brown, who is also a fellow church member for pushing her. Yolanda shadowed Penelope at a variety of art fairs and gallery showings. This played a key role in jumpstarting her wanting to really buckle down and create and develop her artwork. The Embrace Collection (of which the host Robin Tillotson owns one of the paintings from that series) was first created 16 years ago, and this collection represents the first time Yolanda exhibited her work in a major venue at The Chicago Department on Aging. When Yolanda was inspired by Eric Lee, a glass artist, who also creates artistically with furniture, and after being blown away by his glass work, Yolanda consciously decided to take on that medium. She eventually moved to working with Plexiglass and Voila – the Embrace Collection was born! Eight years ago, Yolanda was juried in at the annual Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago) annual art exhibit, and in 2015 she won 3rd prize. She has subsequently exhibited at this prestigious art event for eight consecutive years. That opportunity served as the conduit for being able to showcase her work at The DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago. Additionally, she has won a number of ribbons and other accolades where she has exhibited. When asked what role does Spirituality and God play in her work, Yolanda responded simply by saying “He’s everything, and the reason behind my passion and gift.” Yolanda’s current tour de force is a piece that she is working on entitled “Caribbean Queen.” This piece exemplifies her love for texture and learning to love figurative work, and Black culture really shines through this piece. Yolanda’s future plans include participating in art fairs and to land some gallery showings. She also has a growing Paint and Sip Business where she trains groups. Yolanda’s work can be found on yoyoartbiz.com;for her burgeoning Paint and Sip sessions, you can email her at yoyoartvine.com She is also on Facebook and Instagram as Yolanda Franklin.
