Mariama Henry, MSc, and Bioart Technician

 

Artist name: Mariama Henry
Self-Identify: I identify as a Black Canadian (Caribbean Heritage- Guyanese descent) of the African Diaspora.
School credentials: Bachelor of Science Honours Biochemistry with Thesis/Minor in Applied Information Technology (University of Windsor), Bachelor of Science Magna Cum Laude Clinical Laboratory Science (Wayne State University), Master of Science Medical Biophysics -Collaborative Graduate Program in Molecular Imaging (Western University)
Type of Art/style: Abstract Mixed Media Artist. I love and enjoy sculpture, impasto, and abstract work; I create different levels (in terms of depth) and texture using various media and acrylic paint mediums in my artwork. Furthermore, I am drawn to bright bold colours and using different colour palettes. I also experiment with different types of acrylic paint mediums and gesso to create varied structural effects in my artwork; I love to incorporate 3D effects, structural elements, and colourful mixtures into my artwork. I also dabble in making crafts projects and craft designs.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram @marih_artlife4ever

Photos of Artwork (Copyright Disclaimer). All artwork showcased/featured herein in this newsletter is copyrighted © 2020 2021 Mariama Henry. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce without permission.

Artist Biography Mariama Henry:

I am a scientist with a science and arts background. My STEM background includes Bachelor of Science degrees in Honours Biochemistry with thesis/minor in Applied IT from the University of Windsor (Windsor, Ontario Canada) and Clinical Laboratory Science from Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan, USA) where I graduated Magna Cum Laude. I have a Master of Science degree in Medical Biophysics from Western University (London, Ontario, Canada) - with a research focus in brain metastasis cancer imaging. Furthermore, I have a multidisciplinary science background encompassing computational chemistry/information technology, biochemistry/biology, cancer research, clinical laboratory science and molecular diagnostics. My research interests include genomics/genetics, data analysis/bioinformatics/imaging, ancient history, and ancient civilizations.

My passion for Arts and Science developed at an early age. While growing up I was always surrounded or involved in some type of art whether it was in performing arts or visuals arts or the literary arts. I attended operas, took ballet classes, sang in elementary school choirs. I can recall during Christmas time painting and making arts and crafts projects. Even while attending school, I enjoyed incorporating artistic components or adding some type of artistic style/flair to my school projects. I was always entwined, surrounded, and emerged in arts and science. I visited Kennedy Space Center (Florida), the Brooklyn Museum (Brooklyn, New York), The Ontario Science Centre (Toronto Ontario), the Ann Arbor Art Fair, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) for a Vincent van Gogh exhibition, attending the African World Festival in Detroit, MI , visiting and volunteering at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto Ontario, attending the musical My Fair Lady at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit, MI, attending the Opera Porgy and Bess at the Detroit Opera House, attending the Lion King at the Detroit Opera House, attending Dream Girls the musical at the Windsor Capitol Theatre. I had a memorable time attending these Arts and Science events and look forward to the next visit and adventure.

My interest in science stemmed from my curiosity in understanding how, why, and what cause biological phenomena to occur. While growing up I was always drawn to scientific investigation. At a very young age I was introduced to a microscope (learning how to operate and use a microscope) and ever since I can remember microscopy (including brightfield, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy) has always been one of favourite areas in science. I was always fascinated and excited to view cellular images and histological tissues sections under the microscope. It was like viewing artwork at the microscopic level. Using my interdisciplinary scientific skills, I also enjoy problem solving and applying innovative ways to finding the best possible solution(s) for improving society outcomes. As a scientist and artist, I have always wanted to gain experience in Bioart and to apply scientific tools/principles from my scientific training to the Art World/artistic practices and vice versa.

I am a self-taught visual artist. I am versed in different forms of the fine arts including painting, mixed-media artwork designs, colouring/drawing (not limited to only these types of art disciplines) and I also have experience making crafts/craft projects. I enjoy teaching science/art and helping to spark/unleash creativity in individuals allowing them to use their imagination; to be themselves, to express their work. I have a passion for creating artwork and making crafts and am always eager to collaborate and learn new art techniques, tips from other artists, as well as other educational resources. I also continue to surround myself around cultural events and I always enjoy and am enthusiastic about attending Art Galleries, Museums, Art Fairs, and Crafts shows/bazaars. I always felt (even now) a strong sense of belonging and a connection to the arts, it has always been a relaxing and educational experience for me.

I enjoy inspiring others to be creative and finding ways to solve problems in scientific experiments, with applicability to real-world problems. I am interested in the progress of students as well as teaching /mentoring and inspiring future leaders and innovators. Furthermore, I enjoy volunteering. I am Team Captain for Metastatic Breast Cancer Sister Warriors. I am passionate about promoting awareness of Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) among women and to the public. I continue to advocate and help spread information about metastatic breast cancer awareness. For more information about Metastatic Breast Cancer Sister Warriors, you can visit and follow the Facebook Page @MBCSisterWarriors

In terms of my art experience and accomplishments I have a been a member of Arts Council Windsor & Region (ACWR) since June 2021. My artwork has also been showcased at the Nancy Johns Gallery & Framing The Size Show 36”x 48” (2021), Arts Council Windsor & Region (ACWR) for the Windsor HEAT artist online showcase (2021), The ACWR Annual Art Sale Mistletoe and Snow (2021). My most recent artwork submission was NASA’s #UnfoldTheUniverse Art Challenge 2021 pertaining to the James Webb Space Telescope Launch (2021). Currently one of my artworks is being exhibited at the newly launched McMaster University Black Student Success Centre in Hamilton, Ontario (2022).

My community and scientific accomplishments include being a 2020 recipient of the Coalition for Justice, Unity, Equity (CJUE) Windsor Black History Month Wall of Fame, for Recognition of community service & involvement in the black community in Windsor, Ontario Canada. Team award, Women’s Team Challenge Award (Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure (2016, 2017). Winner of the first Hutnik Research Award, University of Windsor (2003), recipient of the Western University- Graduate Research Thesis Award (2011), First author on “In vivo longitudinal MRI study: an assessment of melanoma brain metastases in a clinically relevant mouse model” in Journal Melanoma Research (2015). I was also a gold medal recipient at the Windsor Regional Science Fair (Intermediate Engineering), which gave me the opportunity to represent Windsor at the Canada Wide Science Fair in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Questions and Answers (Q&A) for Artist Mariama Henry:

Q1) Do you have a favourite fashion designer(s)? favourite fashion icon?
Iris van Herpen. I see this Haute Couture fashionwear as 3D art - meets fashion runway. I am simply blown away and mesmerized and captivated by her artwork. Also love Missoni. And André Leon Talley, he always had a strong presence in the fashion world; his fashion capes always made a statement and are truly iconic.

Q2) What inspires you to create your type of artwork?
I love architecture and seeing things from a different perspective or lens. For me art is about making others happy, bringing hope in the face of adversity and being a beacon of hope for others.

Q3) Outside of the Art world do you have any other hobbies/interests?
I enjoy mentorship and helping others strive towards reaching their goals. I also enjoy reading science fiction and learning about history, arts, and cultures, as well as ancient history and civilizations. I am a huge Sci-Fi and Superheroes fan! Lastly, I love learning about space explorations and space missions/space science.


Q4) Any advice for upcoming/ or BIPOC artists venturing into the art world or wanting to showcase their artwork? Be yourself, always follow your passion and path, listen to your heart. Never give up, the journey may be rough/stormy at times but always remember to believe in yourself and continue to move forward with your purpose in life.

Q5) What is your favourite quote?
Good question, way too many but at the top of my list are quotes from Maya Angelou, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Christopher Reeve, five quotes which always resonates with me are as follows:

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” - Maya Angelou

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up” – Nelson Mandela

“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again” – Nelson Mandela

“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles” – Christopher Reeve

Q6) Who are your favourite artists and why?
Lois Mailou Jones, Augusta Savage, Edmonia Lewis, Simone Leigh, David C. Driskell, Romero Britto, and Claude Monet. They each have their own unique artistic elements, style and qualities which captivates and draws me to their artwork. Each time I look at their artwork I am in awe, and it brings me peace, tranquility, and happiness.