S1, EP.6: Odette Duke
Odette Duke, image courtesy of the artist
On episode 6, we interview Odette Duke, artist, educator, and owner of Duke Studios Detroit. Best described as a forward-thinking artist and educator, Odette earned her Bachelor’s of Art Degree in Education from Western Michigan University. Shortly thereafter, she returned to Detroit to begin her teaching career as a visual arts instructor. Ms. Duke received her Masters of Arts in Teaching from Marygrove College where she collaborated with the faculty and administration to facilitate special programs with local high schools. She has furthered her educational career through certifications in Fine Arts Education, Advanced Placement Studies from Columbia College of Design in Chicago, and International Baccalaureate Education.
El Acecho— 2022, 40 x 60 inches, acrylic and mixed media on canvas
As an artist, Duke has exhibited in Detroit galleries and local social action projects. She uses her talents to assist local campaigns as a creative services and education consultant. She founded Duke Studios in response to the strong need to empower communities to change the face of their own landscapes through their individual creative talents.
Odette is purposeful, innovative and deeply passionate about her artistic journey.
Duke utilizes the power of artistic expression to forge a greater understanding of culture. Duke believes Women fertilize everything with their influence and power and that artistic expression is an act of disseminating ideas throughout the world. Utilizing mixed media and heavily influenced by the rhythmic drumbeat of Taino and African cultures, Duke’s work reflects the ongoing cultural negotiation of Diasporic peoples. Combining the theories of printmaking and painting, her art roots its subjects in cultural symbols and in an environment that lends expression to the continuous uprooting and root finding of individuals with multicultural backgrounds.
Image: Protegida — 2022, 30 x 30 inches, acrylic and mixed media on canvas
Images (from left to right): Revelación Cibaeña — 2022, acrylic mix media on canvas | Quisqueya — 2022, acrylic mix media on canvas | Conocimiento —2022, inches, acrylic and mixed media on canvas
Click here to read more about Odette Duke’s interview.
