COME UP KIDS | FOREVER I LOVE ATLANTA

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Tanekeya Word is a 24 year-old contemporary and figurative artist born in Clarksdale, MS and raised in Milwaukee, WI. She’s spent the last few years in the nation’s capital, however, completing her education at Howard University and perfecting her craft. Though still new to the professional side of art, her company, Neka: Art by Tanekeya Word has recently acquired Moet-Hennessy USA as a client; that is surely a come up.

But of course come ups like that don’t just happen over night. Prior to being a full-time artist Ms. Word has had a many a side hustles as a writer, a fashion designer, a k-5 teacher, an art coordinator, an account executive, a PR director and a sales associate.

A true art kid, Tanekeya began in the arts at a very early age.

” My mother is an artist but chose to become a nurse in order to take care of her 4 daughters. Yet, she immersed us in various arts programs and I fell in love with the visual arts and writing. She later sent my sisters and me to an arts middle school in Milwaukee, WI. There I began writing plays, poetry and drawing. It was not until my last week of high school that I picked up a paintbrush and fell in love with that too,” Tanekeya said.

Tanekeya is inspired by life. The symbol she uses for her company is an ankh with a paintbrush at the tip to symbolize “Art is Life!” She also notes urban culture, emotions and women as major inspirations.

In current times, African-American art is becoming more of a rarity amongst African-American artists. Tanekeya also expressed her concerns and thoughts on the state of African-American artists.

“The art world needs more African-American artists in the forefront and many African-Americans should invest in the arts instead of things that depreciate. As well, the world should invest in African-American art because it is lively and very worthy of appreciation. We too are America so we should be supported. ”

“I am a novice with the collecting of African-American art in corporations; but, seeing though commercial companies are marketing to our group all of the time…you would think they would use our money to acquire our art. I know firsthand that Moet Hennessy supports African-American art I have a few friends in their collection and they have a wonderful branding ambassador,” Tanekeya said.

Despite of the roadblocks on the way to her come up, the artist still has outstanding future goals. Some of which include designing an Absolut bottle and adorning the walls of Tyra Banks’ “America’s Next Top Model”.

If you’d like more information on Tanekeya Word and her artwork please visit: www.tanekeyaword.com.

And a new L$D CUK tradition… SHOUT OUTS: “Support the arts…shout out to emerging artists AB (www.absgreatmusic.com), my boy R. Alexander Clark (www.signaturepiece.com), photographic genuis Kea Dupree (www.mykea.com), web designers Anthony Abernathy and Elisa James, graphic designer Neal Jones, MAC Pro/makeup artist to the stars Jada Bruner and of course my powerhouse art manager Regina Abernathy. Last but, certainly not least I love you Mommy and smooches to all my sisters and my girls on the come up. Thanks Darling and Comeupkids for the opportunity and much success to you all because I love what you are doing!!!!”

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Posted at : March 2nd, 2008 - 5:55 pm
Filed under : Kids on the Come Up
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Comments (75)

Lola…what a wonderful article thanks so much…it is such an honor

Ms. Word / March 2nd, 2008, 7:39 pm / #

Girl you makin moves! I see you! I love it! Love you!

Zarina Dawn / March 3rd, 2008, 10:46 am / #

The world ain’t ready!!! TOO MUCH! Can’t Nobody!!

Zarina Dawn / March 3rd, 2008, 10:47 am / #

Great article. African Americans do need to participate and purchase black art. Glad to find this blog and will check out the come up kids!

J. S. / March 3rd, 2008, 10:49 am / #

What a BEAUTIFUL article Neka! This is just the beginning for you girl! Remember the 3 P’s! Love it HOTNESS!

Tamra Nicole / March 3rd, 2008, 11:06 am / #

love her great article!
wonderful to see Come Up Kids holding each other down.

travelista / March 3rd, 2008, 11:26 am / #

This is my year to graduate from buying prints and to advance to owning originals!!!!! I’m looking forward to purchasing a Tanekeya Word original piece this year!

I enjoyed the article and can’t wait to see what new worx you have brewing.

Create EVERYDAY!!!

R. Alexander Clark / March 3rd, 2008, 11:27 am / #

Great article! Tanekeya is an amazingly talented woman! I absolutely know that with her talent and passion for the arts she will accomplish great things. The sky is the limit!

Marina Reiter / March 3rd, 2008, 2:03 pm / #

Great article. I am truly a fan and will soon be the proud owner of a Ms. Word original (if she is willing to part with it : -)

Also, I love your site…keep up the good work!

LaNora / March 3rd, 2008, 3:35 pm / #

Taneka God has truely blessed you with many diffrent talents..Now is your time to shine! Love You!

Danielle / March 3rd, 2008, 3:49 pm / #

Love the artwork and I will be purchasing an original piece this month so contact me!

C.R. / March 3rd, 2008, 4:11 pm / #

Love the artwork I have a few clients for you too!

Ms. Rainge / March 3rd, 2008, 4:12 pm / #

Love the article and artwork…so when can I see you at the Smithsonian?

Rondra / March 3rd, 2008, 4:13 pm / #

You really have an incredible gift. A true prophet through art.

Jimira / March 3rd, 2008, 6:58 pm / #

Oh Yeah!!!! Great article Tanekeya!!!! The world isn’t ready for what you’re gonna bring to the table. God has got something BIG in store for your future and it’s already taking place. Like Curtis says . . . Keep on pushing!!!

Ab / March 3rd, 2008, 7:21 pm / #

I am so proud of Tanekeya. She is such an inspiration. Most don’t understand that to be a true artist means so much sacrifice and never looking back. You remind all artists that the pot at the end of rainbow will stop running from you as long as you never let it out of your sight. Blessings to you.

Amanda Lewis / March 3rd, 2008, 9:22 pm / #

TANEKEYA , I AM SO GLAD TO SEE THAT YOU HAVE COME UP! THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING AND ALWAYS REMEMBER TO CONTINUE TO PRAY AND KEEP GOD FIRST ABOVE ALL THINGS!!!!! LUV YA HUN!!!! KEEP DOIN’ YOUR THING GIRL!

JENNIFER DANTZLER / March 3rd, 2008, 10:13 pm / #

Congrats, Miss Tanekeya…

Nora G. / March 4th, 2008, 7:24 am / #

Tanekeya keep doing your thing! The article was fabulous and I absolutely admire your talent and drive. You are truly an inspiration. I have to say I am honored to own a piece of your work and I am sure that those who come in contact with your work will also be moved. Stay blessed!

Moyah Wilson / March 4th, 2008, 8:02 am / #

Congrats Tanekeya! Your gift is shining thruogh like we always knew it would. I love the article! I know that you have more to give the world and I look forward to it. Be blessed!

Rach / March 4th, 2008, 10:07 am / #

Tanekeya,

I am so proud of you! What a great article, for such a FANTASTIC artist! You are blessed with so many talents! Continue to put God first, and to thank Him for every step of the way on this journey to your purposeful passion! Keep adding true beauty from you and your creations to this world!

Farran / March 4th, 2008, 11:13 am / #

I love your work! Ive started my elevation maybe I will see you at the top…. lol if your not to busy!

Ecko / March 4th, 2008, 6:20 pm / #

Neka,

I have always thought of you as being an exceptional artist, both visually and literarily. now hopefully the world can discover all the work that you put into your craft(s). I’m so proud of you sis! God has blessed you beyond measure, and I’m confident that the blessings yet to come will astound and amaze both you as well as your adoring public. Keep doing what you’re doing and I’ll see you at the top!

Olu / March 4th, 2008, 6:50 pm / #

Dope at it’s purest…

Rallo / March 5th, 2008, 8:06 am / #

You should have brought some of your paintings to our engagement party because I know there were a couple of people there that might have loved some of your work. Good job and good luck and hope you visit us more often. Take care.

Hareen

Hareen / March 5th, 2008, 8:53 am / #

Stars don’t come up, they get up! Congrats Nek…your hard work has definitely paid off.

O / March 5th, 2008, 12:41 pm / #

Nice interview homegirl! And thanks for the shot out, cuz you know I’m going to soon be joining you as an independent and recognized Artist! We have a lot of work to do and ideas to discuss, so lets keep it moving!

Neal Jones / March 5th, 2008, 12:58 pm / #

Yo, congrats Neka! I’m very proud of you & your recent success. Great article & it can only get better from this point on. Way to leap that “crystal wall”. I know wonderful things are in store for you. Keep working hard & inspiring the masses beautiful.

Peace & Blessings.

Stevie / March 5th, 2008, 2:01 pm / #

Neka what a great article!! I am glad the world is starting to recognize the talent that you possess. Your work is amazing and you deserve all the success that is coming your way. I’m so proud of you! I can’t wait to grace my walls with a Neka original!

Danielle / March 5th, 2008, 3:01 pm / #

Congratulations ,Tanekeya… You are truely amazing! You are definitely at the beginning of a prosperous future Best wishes, always!

Ty Day / March 5th, 2008, 6:34 pm / #

This is a GREAT article!!!! I am so proud of you and your many accomplishments! I LOVE you and your work! Continue to work hard, it can only get better.

Cristin / March 5th, 2008, 7:14 pm / #

Congratulations!!!! Tanekeya I am so proud of you, you just don’t know. You were blessed with a gift and thank you for sharing it with the world! God is good, and may he keep blessing you! Your artwork is out of this world! Keep doing what you are doing.

Thank you for the shot out! Love you!

Jada / March 5th, 2008, 8:05 pm / #

Neka… I loved the article and your work is so beautiful… God has blessed you in many ways… i’m so proud of you.. I love you girl!!

Barbara / March 5th, 2008, 9:14 pm / #

I am so so so so so proud of you!! I see you have been working very hard and it’s starting to pay of well for you. keep doing what you do. Take care

Darcell / March 5th, 2008, 9:18 pm / #

Congratulations, Tanekeya!

I’m so happy for you and extremely proud of you! To view your art is a privilege and to know you is an honor. I wish you all the best and I know you will be rewarded for all ofyour hard work. Love you!

Erika / March 6th, 2008, 8:46 am / #

Keep up the great work. I admire your dedication and determination! Wonderful article too!

Elisa / March 6th, 2008, 9:29 am / #

Neka, I’m so proud of you yo….we all knew it but now the world will…it’s time.

chris / March 6th, 2008, 10:36 am / #

Taneyeka,

Damn girl! I had no idea you were doing all that and more! Then again, none of it surprises me in the least. You keep making those moves, and when I get paid, I’m going to buy one of your pieces. I promise.

Jozen Cummings / March 6th, 2008, 1:26 pm / #

Ms. Word, be encouraged by this article as it is a tool to give the world just a glimpse into your genius. Your creativity knows no bounds and I am honored to know you as a friend. And to those with steady paychecks…don’t sleep and INVEST!!! This woman is already going places and you will definitely want to be a part.

Jahdai Dawes / March 6th, 2008, 3:49 pm / #

Great article sis!. I’m sooo proud of you! I love ya and remember to keep God first!

Anise / March 6th, 2008, 8:09 pm / #

As they say, the word was God, Ms. Word was WITH God, and her art became life

Sister, I love what you do, I love your spirit, and I hope to run alongside as you pursue the Pure.

To the writer: Great article, and thank you for supporting the NEXT. She is on the Come Up for sure, and so are you. Stay Woke

Mr. J / March 6th, 2008, 8:59 pm / #

This is what we as a people need more of. Keep doing your thing!

Artivous / March 7th, 2008, 6:25 am / #

Nek,

Great article! I am very glad to OWN a few of your outstanding pieces of art! Thank you for warming my home with your talents and inspiring my daughter. Your hard work is not in vain! Love ya!
Kourt

Kourtney / March 7th, 2008, 3:45 pm / #

Neka,
Congratulations on this recognition!!!! I love to see hard work pay off…. especially for someone as driven as you are. Many blessings!!!!

Kay / March 8th, 2008, 7:28 am / #

Tanekeya,
What a wonderful article!! You are of course doing a fantastic job. I am persuaded that if you continue to persevere, the world will come to know and love your artwork.
May God continue to bless.

The Queen / March 8th, 2008, 10:22 am / #

May God continue to bless you, to inspire you and to guide you! It is wonderful to know that there are young people who are not only dream, but also work to make their dreams reality.

Sylvia / March 8th, 2008, 1:30 pm / #

I fell in love with Tanekeya’s art work immediately. Her paintings are a mesmerizing escape to a colorfully vibrant world. She is definitely someone to look out for!

Anisha / March 8th, 2008, 3:47 pm / #

This is ultra-dope. However they were remiss in not mentioning your rap career. “What you know about that Mil-to the-waukee.” But really I commend you for all your hard work and congratulate you on all your success. Its great to see Black people doing good things (aided by liquor) and not the other way around

Boom Dynamite / March 8th, 2008, 4:59 pm / #

Hey girl,

You are so talented! I love it when u put your heart and soul into what you’re doin, keep up the good work!

The SKY is the limit

j flowers / March 9th, 2008, 10:24 am / #

Girl, I learned a lot more about you through this article. You never cease to amaze me!

Melanie R. Holmes / March 9th, 2008, 4:36 pm / #

Congratulations Tanekeya from your fellow artist of color Your work is vibrant!

Nina J. / March 10th, 2008, 6:03 am / #

Congratulations! Girl you deserve it!

Dee (EAOC) / March 10th, 2008, 9:41 am / #

Where’s my portrait you promised you’d paint for me?? You know…the one where I’m descending from the heavens….pristine loin cloth…fresh pair of nike air jerusalems on…a bevy of angels in the background….Seriously though, Neka you are an incredible artist, I don’t know another way to state it. Much respect for all the hard work. It’s especially dope to witness an artist of your caliber come into their own. We been knowin you were dope since 2003!

Jason / March 10th, 2008, 4:28 pm / #

I couldn’t be more proud. You are a true inspiration for those who have dreams. You are a true talent. Congratulations!

Mallory / March 11th, 2008, 1:52 pm / #

That’s what’s up twin… keep doing ya thang….

Jeremiah Cobra / March 13th, 2008, 8:38 pm / #

I am terrifically proud of you, yet, not surprised.

I always told Mrs. Erkins and the other teachers that you had an inherent multi-dimensional greatness, which would not be wholly appreciated until you were outside of the small world of Vincent High School.

I just essentially felt that your readers should know that you were one of the outstanding poetry readers in high school history, and I say this with great confidence, having had numerous Poetry Champions competing at Vincent High School, through this date. (All 4 Poets power-rounded at a suburban tournament a few weeks ago) Yet, I still consider you the greatest of all time, and it is in fact “you” who set a standard of excellence which emmatates the focus of my coaching through this day. Your extraordinary talents from 1998–2001 are the reason why I now expect my African American poets to be far superior to all other poets, and I can live with nothing less than that, as you were the standard-creator for this expectation of excellence. You also brought a mystique and eloquence to poetry reading through personna, personal appearance, and style.

You also typed a 55-page play while in high school, which was way ahead of high school, and meritorious of professional publication.

I still, and always will, consider you at the top of the ladder of the growing list of Vincent High School Forensics Hall of Famers, (Your sister Jimira is right there, but you were the first one from the family, and Vincent’s first great Power Rounder, setting the pace for the rest of generations. (I ought to know, as the only real Forensics Head Coach in Vincent’s History, 1995–present).

I am honored to have been your teacher/Forensics Coach, and am so very proud of you…I just think that your Blog Readers should know what an outstanding actress/Poetry Reader you were in high school, and I hope that you still have your long row of trophies on a shelf somewhere.

Your blog photos show that you are still a trend-setter, fashionably, and not a follower–and that’s consistent with high school, as you were a leader, and not a follower. And, quite frankly, (referring to one of your goals), Tyra Banks should be hanging art of you on her walls.

David Powell / March 14th, 2008, 2:07 pm / #

Tanekeya! You’re so dope! Congrats on this write up! I’m so glad I’ve already started collecting your stuff…with more to come. Also congrats on picking up Hennessy as a client. I soooo see myself writing about you in future art history books.

Peace,
Shantrelle

Shantrelle P. Lewis / March 16th, 2008, 3:36 pm / #

You inspire me to reach higher heights. As your mom I am proud and honored. Love you much!

Carolyn Word-Dixon / March 20th, 2008, 8:06 pm / #

Clara G

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