LIV is a self-taught artist born in Mesa, Arizona and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In her paintings, she confronts the social expectations placed upon black individuals to embody strength and resilience, while also highlighting the profound vulnerability that lies beneath the surface. She wants Black strength to feel colorful, bold, and loud. Her primary medium is acrylic paint but she also layers oil paint, chalk and oil pastel to create layers on her portrait paintings. The vulnerability is seen on the surface of her work with many pieces having tears, multiple eyes, ears, and noses. Her perspective on duality can be seen through the textures of her mediums and child-like facial features alongside realistic body parts. LIV has a way of pulling you in with colors but challenges you to reexamine the daily black experience. Being present is the constant cycle of falling apart and picking oneself back up. Her artwork addresses exhaustion and triumph within Blackness.
LIV has had a solo exhibition at No Studios Milwaukee, WI (2022) Work shown at The Other Art Fair Chicago, IL (2023), 50th Anniversary Willis Tower “A Chicago Story” (2023), Milwaukee Medical College Bronzeville Tribute (2024) Her works are in the collection of La Gente Art Gallery.