Selah Studios

Braid My Hair (8x8in Acrylic and Mixed Media on stretched canvas)

There’s nothing deep about this one—just pure joy, vibes, and a love letter to Black beauty. Braid My Hair is an 8x8in acrylic painting featuring a beautiful Black woman with bold gold hoops, laid baby hairs, and a crown of real, hand-braided hair swept into a perfectly messy bun. Yes, actual braiding hair—braided strand by strand and attached to the canvas. It’s 3D, it’s textured, and it’s straight-up iconic.

And while I was braiding, I couldn’t help but hear Mario’s smooth voice in my head singing, “C’mon and braid my hair.” That early 2000s R&B classic basically became the unofficial anthem of this piece.

This isn’t about deep symbolism—it’s just a fun, feel-good celebration of Black culture, style, and the everyday rituals that make us feel like us. From the laid edges to the lazy bun, this one’s all about the beauty in the details.

“Royalty” (Two 16x20in Acrylic Paintings on Stretched Canvas)
Rooted in the truth that God calls us a royal priesthood, this powerful diptych affirms the divine identity and sacred dignity of the Black man and woman. Inspired by Mali Music’s Royalty, the figures are rendered with symmetrical, geometric precision—evoking the timeless elegance of Egyptian hieroglyphics and the spiritual authority bestowed by their Creator.
The man, with a high top fade, and the woman, crowned with a regal afro, both gaze forward—strong, still, and sure of who they are. Delicate gold lines are painted throughout their hairstyles, woven with intention and reverence to symbolize wisdom, royalty, and the richness of their heritage. Each stroke was laid with care, part of the over 40 hours invested in crafting the crisp, exacting lines that give this piece its commanding presence.

Their faces shimmer with metallic paint, a visual declaration of their God-given value and radiance. Bold red backgrounds speak to the bloodshed woven into their ancestral stories, yet do not define them; instead, they rise above it, glistening with honor and purpose. Royalty is a visual proclamation of legacy, identity, and the unshakable truth that they—and we—are chosen, set apart, and deeply loved.

“Ready” (20x30in, Acrylic on Stretched Canvas)
Poised, powerful, and unmistakably present, Ready captures the essence of the modern Black woman’s strength and grace. Dressed in a classic white dress and elegant black hat, the figure glances down at her nails — a moment of calm, confidence, and care. Her wrist bears three bracelets in red, green, and yellow — colors echoing Pan-African pride and resilience. Set against a chaotic yet regal backdrop of deep, textured purple, she remains composed, stylish, and unshaken. Ready is a visual tribute to the woman who is always prepared, always polished, and always powerful — even in the midst of disorder.