Kristen Dominique Allicock

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

I can almost imagine that her space is a vibrant chaos of colour and texture. Canvases lean against walls, half-finished digital art glows on a monitor, and trays of resin jewelry shimmer under a warm lamp. Her dark, curly hair is pulled back, as she meticulously paints a delicate detail on a canvas. She wears simple clothes, a paint-stained apron, and an air of quiet concentration.

They say art speaks for itself, but sometimes, I wonder if it’s just a whisper, lost in the noise. She paints. She creates. She curates… It’s what she does.  It’s… breathing. Just… working.

Our Woman Empowered has curated the Black History Month exhibit at the Queen Elizabeth Park Centre, her digital work lit up Garden Square in Brampton, and she is working with Black Urbanism Toronto! She is a force.

Her solo show at High Notes was a revelation. People are still talking about it, and her resin jewelry. They are like miniature galaxies.

“Kristen, you don’t see it, do you? You have this… radiance. This quiet power. You create spaces for voices to be heard, for stories to be seen. You are making a real difference.” I had said this to her the first day that I met her, and together we shared an emotional moment.

Our Woman Empowered just… she wants to connect. She wants to share. Her heritage, her community… it’s all part of who she is. She does it so beautifully. To me, she is not just an artist, she is a cultural architect.

She is still learning, still growing, but she is starting to understand. Maybe… just maybe… her radiance isn’t so quiet after all; and maybe, that’s okay.

With a background in: media fundamentals, communications, and business strategy, Our Woman Empowered Kristen Allicock blends creativity with entrepreneurship through her platform The Art of KDA, connecting with communities and empowering others to embrace their own artistic expression.

Her artistic journey is deeply influenced by her cultural heritage, personal experiences and her day-to-day; what she has seen and how she feels. She is heavily influenced by contemporary artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Sandra Brewster, Mickalene Thomas to name a few. Beyond the art world, she draws inspiration from: her peers, music, literature, and the world. These elements intertwine to shape her creative process, allowing her to craft pieces that resonate on both personal and collective levels.

“I want people to know that I am more of a powerhouse than I may let on,” Kristen begins. “I have a diverse portfolio of transferable skills to offer that I have acquired along the way in my journey that have benefitted me tremendously not only as an independent artist, but as a corporate professional and entrepreneur.”

 “As a multidisciplinary artist and creative entrepreneur, my work is a vibrant representation of my inner and outer worlds that blends dynamic shapes, expressive line work, and bold colors. Each piece is crafted with the intention to evoke emotion and provoke thought, serving as a catalyst for meaningful conversations. My art is not just a visual experience; it’s an invitation to explore themes of identity, heritage, social awareness, and beauty.”

“Navigating the dual roles of artist/entrepreneur with my regular day job requires a harmonious blend of creativity and strategic planning. I embrace multiple facets of my career, from creating art to managing marketing, web design, and business operations. Engaging with my audience through social media platforms and in-person events has been instrumental in expanding my reach, while participating in exhibitions and collaborations keeps my work dynamic and visible. Building strong relationships within the art community and continuously adapting to new opportunities are key components of my approach.”

One thing that I have learned about Kristen, is that she aims to spark meaningful conversations through her art.

“It continues to be such a wonderful feeling seeing the different ways my work has been interpreted and appreciated. From my visual works to my handcrafted accessories, hearing how much something I’ve created means to someone, or someone they have gifted to really strokes that creative fire in me to keep burning bright.”

“More recently, I had the pleasure of sitting on a panel for an artist talk hosted by the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton, alongside other talented creatives, to talk about our work and experiences as artists. After I shared my story about my experience of being multi-racial and growing up having to “defend” my Blackness, so to speak, an audience member shared how much my story resonated with them and how they felt seen. Hearing that really moved me to know that I was able to connect with audiences like that, because who I am as an artist is just who I am – me.”

“Each medium I explore offers a unique avenue for expression, which I love. Painting allows for large, bolder, expressive storytelling, capturing emotions through colour and form. Digital design provides precision and versatility, enabling me to experiment with different aesthetics and reach a broader audience. Creating resin jewelry and other accessories offers a tactile experience, allowing art enthusiasts to carry a piece of my creativity with them. Together, these mediums complement each other, creating a cohesive artistic identity that blends fine art with everyday aesthetics, making creativity accessible in multiple forms.”

“I am committed to nurturing the creative voices of the next generation. My future aspirations include more curatorial opportunities, developing workshops, mentorship programs, and collaborative projects that provide young people with the tools and confidence to explore their artistic potential.”

“By creating inclusive and supportive environments, I aim to empower youth to express themselves and explore their creativity, embrace their cultural heritage, and contribute to the vibrancy of our community through art. Representation matters.”