"Life itself is an interesting experience, one in which I explore constantly. Although another person can relate, each individual life is unique and can only be truly experienced through their own eyes. My art is a reflection of my experiences in life, my observations of the world around me, and my imaginings of a world yet to exist. One series of my art focuses on the societal and cultural impact of African/African American hair and how it speaks specifically to the stories, history, culture and personality of a race of people. Moreover, as I seek to celebrate our hair in my art, we often have to face, conversely, its denigration in society at large. A new series has a concentrated interest in preserving our natural environment and all who live within it; as well as evaluating the role I have played in creating climate change, deforestation, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. I enjoy working with many different media and I allow the process to guide my art."
Photo credit: S. Ross Browne
Unicia Buster, a native of Richmond, Va., received a bachelor of fine arts degree from Cornell University and a master of arts degree from George Mason University. She won the juror’s choice award for the inaugural 48-to-Create at the Visual Arts Center and she was a recipient of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Artist Fellowship.
Buster has been a featured speaker at various events in Richmond including TEDxRVA and the Good Grief Conference. She has been featured in various media including WWBT NBC12, Nest Realty’s Magazine, B-Side Collective Magazine, and the Richmond Times Dispatch. Most recently, Buster has been selected to design the poster for the annual 2nd Street Festival in Richmond.
Besides creating, Buster enjoys exploring nature and its inhabitants with her son, going out to eat, hanging out with loved ones, and watching movies and shows.
Photo credit: Adrian Buster