Note from Talia

“I started doing art commercially when i moved to the United States in 2012. Growing up as an orphan in Zambia- Southern Africa, i faced many challenges. From metal, emotional and physical abuse to not having resources readily available to me. Art for me was an escape, a way to venture out into a world where anything was possible and in that world, everything was beautiful. Being in that world helped me keep a positive mindset and helped me believe beyond my  circumstances.

Being a girl child in a Zambian traditional setting also rendered its own challenges. I was often discouraged and stopped from doing anything creative because the belief was that girls should be in the kitchen or taking care of the home. This did not stop me. I found way to practice and create my art. One of my fondest memories is picking up sticks to burn so i could create charcoal to use for my sketches. Art is very important to me, it is who i am.

My biggest dream has always been to help those in need through my art. To use my gift and story to inspire, uplift and bring hope to children who might be going through the same struggles that  i did when as a child. I believe in every child we help and i understand that a little kindness goes a long way.  It is for this reason that i created Thankful Thinking and it has been the most rewarding thing i have ever done.

Change for Change is our outreach program as well as our fundraising campaign. We reach out to children and the youth by working through local partner organizations made up of people who have a stake in creating the conditions children need to thrive.Ie schools, Charities, Churches to mention a few. We talk about the power of positive thinking, believing beyond any circumstances and how everyone plays a vital role in society regardless of backgrounds, ethnicity and  religious or political views just like every different shade of penny plays a role to create a beautiful picture. We use this symbolism to paint the picture that everyone fits somewhere and being different is a beautiful thing and should be accepted and celebrated. Our goal is to get everyone; especially children, involved in making a positive change in their lives as well as the lives of people in need by  understand that making a difference does not always require grand gestures, any small act of kindness makes a huge difference. A penny, a kind letter, uplifting words, a compliment. We believe that this as well as helping children to understand and accept those that are different from them,   will also play a huge role in helping reduce bullying.

Please read and see more of Talia’s Artwork [here]