Serena Saunders is a visual artist and clothing designer. We first crossed paths a few years back through a vending opportunity at one of my events, and I have been a fan ever since.

Her work is big, bold, beautiful, abstract and colorful. She uses a lot of words in her pieces, telling stories within stories within layers of paint. She also does incredible leatherwork. She makes the most amazing clutches, suspenders, waist pouches and everything in between.

And, she’s also socially conscious, giving her time to AIDS foundations, community projects and working with the youth. Check out this awesome artist.

Insider Tip: If you like what you see, you should catch her work in person. Seeing her pieces first hand—especially her fashion designs—are a totally different experience than seeing them online.

Q + A With Serena

Stacey: Please tell the folks what you do and why you do it.

Serena: I am a painter, teacher, poet and entrepreneur. In the past year, I've added fashion designer to my portfolio. After launching a handbag line, "The HoldMe Collection" in 2009, I realized that fashion is another avenue of artistic expression that I am very drawn to. The reason why I create—the cheesy answer is, I was born to. In reality, it is when I am at my best. And, I have learned through experience of working within the community, that my art is not only a luxury item but a necessity. 

Stacey: What are you artistically best known for?

Serena: As an artist I am best known for my bold use of color. The relationship of colors and how they impact one another keeps my impression fresh and strong. Color play has since grown into the layering of prints (that I create from scratch) and text. I believe the ability to push my work as far as it goes through color and composition—without making a mess—makes my work successful. 

Stacey: What you're biggest artistic accomplishment?

Serena: Working for myself for the past 7 years. Not many artists can say that. Starving or full, this is what I do everyday, all day.

Stacey: Where can people find you?

Serena: At the moment, the best way people can find me is at www.serenasart.com and my etsy.com shop. However, I want nothing more than to be able to establish a pop-up shop, retail or trunk show style opportunity, including but not limited to in-home art trunk shows. (Hint-hint to those of you reading).