Brianna McCarthy

“I love the taste and texture of passion fruit. It’s tart and sweet, sticky and yet so fluid. Its colors are vibrant; from purples and roses, to yellows and greens. It makes my senses buzz and frankly, it makes me want more. More fruit, more passion, more life.”

Those were the words you’ll find on Passion Fruit, the blog of the beautiful and talented Brianna McCarthy. If you haven’t heard of her, I’m happy to introduce you to her phenomenal talents. McCarthy’s a very passionate artist who hails from Trinidad and Tobago. Her work showcases beautiful Black women in their natural beauty. She’s been featured on many different websites, and I was honored with the opportunity of speaking with her about her art, ambitions, and future endeavors!

A Word For My Sistas: You live in the Caribbean. How does that affect your art?

Brianna McCarthy: I’m from the Caribbean; a product of it. Trinidad and Tobago, in particular, is diverse ethnically and culturally–that diversity has created a hybrid culture. I see that “mixedness” everywhere, including in my immediate family. That’s been a huge influence on my work. The women and girls I depict are made of elements pulled from those I see around me–products of the Caribbean.

A Word For My Sistas: If you were forced to go a year without drawing, what would you do?

Brianna McCarthy: I’d go mad! Seriously, I’d probably read instead. It’s the one other escape I have. I love books.

A Word For My Sistas: When and how did you begin creating art?

Brianna McCarthy: For as long as I could recall I’ve been attracted to making things and drawing etc. I come from a very resourceful and creative family. Coming from a low income background meant that I was use to the idea that it was possible to make most things which weren’t otherwise affordable. For example, having 3 older, fashionable sisters meant that we learned to make our own jewelry and clothing. I still have and wear a little black dress one of my sisters made over 7 years ago and another one of my sisters is a successful jewelry designer. I think that’s where it started for me, growing up around creative people and having that innate drive to create for myself. I used to sew all my doll’s clothes and I did that until I was about 15. I really only got serious about showing my work in a public (online) since about 3 years ago.

A Word For My Sistas: How did you come up with the name Passion Fruit and how does it influence your art?

Brianna McCarthy: Honestly, I was eating a passion fruit lolly. I always loved the taste of the fruit, but I was totally blown away by how intense the sensation was. It was hot, my hands were sticky, and usually I would have been uncomfortable, but it was so good. I had created the blog only a few days earlier so when the words passion fruit and the various meanings that could take on hit me that night, I had to give in. What I really like about the fruit is its intensity. It has a bold flavor. Its colors are super saturated and bright, and the way it smells is unmistakable. It made so much sense that night. Another factor that made sense was that art. Creating was the fruit of what I was passionate about; life, people, honesty, and love.

A Word For My Sistas: Tell me about some of your dreams and goals.

Brianna McCarthy: Eventually, I‘d like to work full-time as an artist. However, that’s really the easiest thing I could really think of to say. What’s more important to me is to find new things to do with myself! I’m self taught in all things artistic so it’s a constant journey for me. “Making things” is what I do; I need to do it. I’d like to settle into a dynamic life of new experiences if that makes any sense.

Brianna McCarthy has so many beautiful pieces of art. You can find more at her website, www.briannamccarthy.blogspot.com.