CROWNS
13 pieces of work celebrating head adornment, hometown muses and our connection to a higher power.
Please read 13 Facts about this Series HERE and/or scroll to the bottom half of this gallery to read the caption on each subject.
Sterling is a musician, producer and mastering engineer. He currently resides in Bavaria, Germany but he started his journey in Akron. OH. Sterling is a hilarious personality with boundless creativity but the top way he has inspired me is by highlighting the beauty in just going with the flow. When he left for Europe it was initially intended to only be for a music tour with his band. However, he ended up never coming back and has since built an entire life there. The rigid planner within me would have died if I ever attempted to do something so spontaneous. But Sterling’s story reminds me that life and creativity need a little room to expand their own direction and just freeform. Hence the reason I captured Sterling with his massive pile of freeform locs. Follow this free spirit on Instagram @spider_the_akronaut or on Facebook at Sterling Hankins. If you share on Social Media please tag myself @sylviapaints, Sterling and/or hashtag #AkronJewels to promote the series.
Jordan describes himself simply as an “individual and an artist”. I think these broad titles speak volumes because I have saw him participate in so many different creative avenues – modeling, dancing, acting. However, he has inspired me the most through his expressions in fashion on Instagram. Through his well paired ensembles Jordan demonstrates one of my favorite tenets of fashion that many people don’t seem to overtly understand – It is not about high-end brands, expensive pieces or fitting into a runway look. Fashion is simply the art of intentionally choosing how you will drape your body each day. Jordan’s looks remind me that my art doesn’t need to be stuffy, elite or only accessible by the rich. It can serve much more of an impact to just Keep it casual. I chose this photo of him because I love how his stance and attitude even makes a snake look like a well draped scarf. Follow this Fashionista on Instagram @acasualfriday. If you share on Social Media please tag myself @sylviapaints, Jordan and/or hashtag #AkronJewels to promote the series.
This is Bret and Naajia carrying Sixx. Since I have known Naajia in middle school she has always embodied an entire life of creativity with her visual art, hair, clothes and makeup and always inspired me with her transparency. This picture moved me because it highlighted a softer side of her that I had not previously known. (Observing from a very external perspective) Bret seems to be the perfect partner for her and compliments her in ways that seem ethereal. This piece is a symbol of my personal belief in the spiritual crowns we all have in the form of protective angels, guides and ancestors. Their baby Sixx was only Earth side with us for a short time but I believe his spirit will protect them forever. Follow Naajia on Instagram @naajiasaurus. If you share on Social Media please tag myself @sylviapaints, Naajia and/or hashtag #AkronJewels to promote the series.
Wavy is a makeup artist who I can personally attest to being an eccentric since the 90s - hence the vintage colors in her portrait. When I was a kid Wavy’s family lived down the street from me and whenever she would visit she always just seemed so DIFFERENT. I loved that! She was one of the FIRST people I knew that never tried to fit in, she has always been proud to stand out. Every artist needs an inspiration like that. Artists needs to be able to stand on their own vision no matter the opposition and Wavy has always been a muse for how to do that with ease. Follow this Glam Queen @onewavybabe on instagram or subscribe to her Youtube “Wavy’s World”. If you share on Social Media please tag myself @sylviapaints, Wavy and/or hashtag #AkronJewels to promote the series.
DaMaris is a model, artist, Youtuber and Founder of Ohio Models United. Damaris has inspired me by always being boldly non-traditional. He breaks the mold in every category that he participates whether he is modeling, rapping, vlogging or just serving as an overall great human. This reminds me that the only one who can box me in is myself. I do not need to fit my art into a certain definition or category in order to excel. I chose a portrait with flowers framing his crown as a symbol that any walls or boxes he allows are delicate and can be easily adjusted. Check his poses on Instagram @ohiomodelsunited or @dashon_ellis and on Youtube at Dashon Ellis. Reference photo by Brianna Johnson on Instagram @amberandsageimagery. If you share on Social Media please tag myself @sylviapaints, DaMaris, Amber and/or hashtag #AkronJewels to promote the series.
Gabi is an overall wild person who has made me laugh more than any other coworker I’ve ever had. She is currently studying the art of tattoo and serving as a Cookie Decorator at West Side Bakery where she makes it a personal policy to only cry in the freezer. One time when I was having bad day she charged into work saying “HAVE NO FEAR, YOUR QUEER IS HERE!” which instantly changed the entire vibe for me. Of the many hair colors she has had, I chose to render her from a “red hair” phase because Gabi has always inspired me to stay spicy. Follow this Bad Ass @gabikilljoy on instagram. If you share on Social Media please tag myself @sylviapaints, Gabi and/or hashtag #AkronJewels to promote the series.
Briah is a Poet, CEO & Co-Owner of West Akron Rose Spa and PMU Artist. What has inspired me the most from Briah is her unforgivable drive to self-promote. In the past I had anxiety about sharing too much about my art in fear of being perceived as full of myself. However, Briah’s graceful way of sharing information about her ventures and passions online has inpired me to do the same. Her drive always illustrates for me that self-promotion does not make you look FULL of yourself. It makes you appear SURE of yourself – a trait that any entreprenuer should aim to have. I chose neutral tones for her portrait because these colors always make me feel relaxed and grounded reminding me of her impact as a spa awner. Follow this Boss Babe at West Akron Rose Salon & Spa on Facebook or @westakronrose330 on instagram. If you share on Social Media please tag myself @sylviapaints, Briah and/or hashtag #AkronJewels to promote the series.
known Randae for years but she has inspired me for a very specific reason. A while ago she shared on social media that acrylic nail prices were getting too high and debated with others about their demands for work. Very soon after that she announced that she was learning to do nails herself. Since then I haveenjoyed watching her progress on the craft. This is such an isolated specific event but that really resonated with me. Instead of lingering in a space where she was unsatisfied with what was being offered, she made do with what she had available to her. I wish we would all do that. Her bright pink hair reminds me of the spunk she has for life to get what she wants. Follow this nail tech on Instagram @teamfoundationporterfield or on Facebook at “Teamfoundation Porterfield”. If you share on Social Media please tag myself @sylviapaints, Randae and/or hashtag #AkronJewels to promote the series.
Feddie is a rapper, model, performer and entrepreneur. He has a shoe line, a cologne line and his music has made it to the radio station 107.9 several times. Feddie has inspired me most with his collaborative efforts. He is not only prolific with his individual creations but also in his joint projects with other people in music, videos and content. It always reminds me that we go further with a team mindset. I chose a photo of him wearing orange tinted shades as a metaphor for him seeing the world through a creative lens. Follow this creative on Instagram @feddiepatron, Facebook – Feddie Patron Wilson or YouTube – Feddie Patron. If you share on Social Media please tag myself @sylviapaints, Feddie and/or hashtag #AkronJewels to promote the series.
Jeff is a model and Digital Creator. He has inspired me by being an individual who doesn’t take life too seriously (in a good way). So many males come off as too masculine or serious to smile in pictures or show unbridled joy. Every time I see him doing as such, it reminds me to take a moment to do the same. Needless to say, this is absolutely the reason I captured him with a cheesy grin full of golds to highlight his golden attitude. Follow this funny guy on Facebook – Pablo Rucker. If you share on Social Media please tag myself @sylviapaints, Jeff and/or hashtag #AkronJewels to promote the series.
November is a singer and songwriter. I highly recommend giving her most recent album “Solstice” a listen which can be found on all platforms. It is amazing! November has inspired me most simply with her VOICE. November’s voice has a warm smoothness to it that reminds me of something vintage (that I can’t quiteplace). Her distinct sound reminds me that each of us have some kind of unique trait that is our gift or our essence. Every time I hear hers I am moved to hone in on mine. She also has not a single ounce of hate in her spirit which I love. I chose this picture of her because the warm light is reminiscent of what her voice sounds like to me. Follow this beauty on Instagram @itsmissnovember, Facebook – November Williams or YouTube – November Williams. If you share on Social Media please tag myself @sylviapaints, November and/or hashtag #AkronJewels to promote the series.
Emerald Neki is a rapper, singer, performer, poet, hairstylist, graphic artist, digital creator and overall probably the most glamorous person I know. Emerald’s perseverance, transparency and versatility has always inspired me to continue to diversify the ways I can manifest my creativity and tell my story. She has overcome a lot of obstacles but she never lets anything stop her. She recently surpassed over 2 million streams of her music, via various platforms, and continues to build her legacy. This lady has had so many different looks but I chose to capture her with her yellow hair to symbolize her enthusiasm and optimism to keep going with her craft. Follow this Girl Boss on Instagram @emeraldneki, TikTok @emeraldneki7, Facebook – Jewelz Jackson or YouTube – Emerald Neki. If you share on Social Media please tag myself @sylviapaints, Emerald and/or hashtag #AkronJewels to promote the series.
Ama is a Poet, Songwriter, Blogger and Digital Creator. Ama inspires me by simply being an overall creative, however, what has inspired me the most is her peaceful and tranquil energy. Every time I have experienced her presence it reminds me of the energy I feel when I’m floating – light, airy and carefree – and just puts me in the mood to create. Therefore, it seemed appropiate that I capture her in a moment when her crown was adorned with Blue hair as this color always reminds me of clear skies and calm waters. Her eyewear which highlights hearts and rainbows was also a nice reinforcement of the energy she exudes. Check out her vibe on Instagram @amaserapheona and if you share on social media please tag myself @sylviapaints, Ama and/or hashtag #AkronJewels to promote the series.