How Tina found herself again

Tina Doughty’s Afrocentric art is on display at Stage Two Theatre in Norwich from today, during Norfolk Black History Month. Here, she shares her story of growing up in Africa – and why her dream is to open a café, art gallery and music venue all in one

I was born in Zimbabwe and moved around Africa to more than eight countries if I can remember. My father moved with his job in agriculture, so I got to experience a lot about different African countries – hence my love for African art, culture and food. Malawi has my heart, though, as my mother was Malawian. My childhood was great, my father worked hard and gave us the opportunity to travel and explore. I had the best times in international schools as well as local African schools. The only downside is that, because we moved a lot, I never learned an African language. Something I always wished I had – or still have time to do. I moved to the UK on my own at the age of 16 to further my education.  

Looking back at all the challenges I faced, I never would have imagined I would be settled, with my own little family and doing what I love. I am so use to everything going wrong, that sometimes I find myself sitting on edge thinking, ‘do I deserve this happiness ‘. My whole life I have always been a people pleaser, but never believed in myself. A lost soul that only lived for the weekend working in jobs that never inspired me. I always believed I was all I had, but never believed in myself. Now I can finally say, ‘I did it’. And I’m thankful for going though all those obstacles as it’s made me who I am today. 

I think my first-born son was six months old when I first had the idea for @artbycocopina. I was a single mother at the time and had no support. I suffered from postnatal depression. I refused to take medication and picked up a paint brush. I don’t do well by doing nothing and always have to keep busy. Not working at the time, I had to find some way of being productive as well as mending myself. After 20 years of not picking up a paintbrush, I decided to see where it took me. I posted a few paintings online on social media thinking nothing of it, then started to get messages for requests. This helped me pay for my bills and put food on the table. If only my first ever customers knew how much it helped me and my son. I have gone from that to finding myself again, being in a strong relationship, having another boy and, to top it off, having a room where I created my art studio. 

I have always known I loved art. It was my favourite lesson in school and my Art teacher was amazing. I was always told off for being a daydreamer in other lessons, but I was awake and ready in art. 

I did not have many commissioned art orders before the pandemic. Then, a few weeks into lockdown, my inboxes started waking up and I started to get more orders. I think everyone was at home staring at their walls, finding the time to re decorate their homes or businesses, so I was lucky. From all these orders my followers picked up and since then it’s been a steady pace. 

It’s so hard juggling working in my studio with two young boys. I’m not going to sugar coat it. Plus having boys who are a handful and need constant attention it can be challenging. My youngest is on the autistic spectrum so needs an adult in his view most of the time. My oldest son is into gaming at the moment, so he has started to do his own thing. I would honestly not be able to do my art without the support from my other half, James. He is great at giving me time to paint. Or I just let the kids roll into the art studio, give them paper to colour or paint, and wonder in and out always checking to see if I’m there. I mostly do my art when they are at school or in the evenings. They love the art room because I always have load music that they can dance to. And I always have a warm feeling they love seeing me do what I love to do. Hoping when they become adults they will look back and remember these days with mummy. 

I never planned to upcycle art canvases, but after years of buying new canvases online (even expensive brands), I just honestly find that the wood framing work and canvas material is not at its best. Now I am a charity shop geek and lover of bargains, always at tip shops and boot sales – I love finding treasures. I found there is a lot of unwanted artworks selling for few pounds that have incredible strong wood framing and material – and know this will last ages on a customer’s wall compared to the brand-new canvases online or in retailers. And I love backgrounds with textures or colour, so every canvas I upcycle and paint over I sometimes leave the original background colour or texture. I guess I am helping save the planet, saving my pockets and creating some unique! 

I would describe my art as more Afrocentric. Bespoke art made to order. I do love painting wildlife, too, and the odd commissioned pieces that take me out of my comfort zone. For example, I painted a Dark Disney Themed Alice in wonderland which was fun. 

I was at the Norwich Global Village Market at the start of Norfolk Black History Month, and this was my second time show casing my art in public. And, wow, it was amazing, not only selling my pieces but meeting so many people from all walks of life – talking, networking and having a day off from being a mum for a bit. I met so many characters and likeminded individuals. I would love to that again. I never knew Norwich to be such a vibrant town. Yes, I do have something lined up now which is exciting and different for me. I have been asked to display my art at Norwich Theatre in collaboration with the show, The Color Purple, in line with Black History Month. My art is displayed in the windows of Stage Two which I am excited to see up. Alongside this I do have other orders from customers I met on at the Norwich Global Village Market. 

Having a cafe/art gallery and music Venue rolled into one is my vision. I am a huge foodie and love cooking. I have a food blog page that keeps me extra busy (@cocopinascafe on Instagram). I used to love singing in my early 20s and have always been passionate about music. So, putting those three elements together would be my dream. 

Tina’s @artbycocopina exhibition is on at Norwich Theatre Stage Two from today (Tuesday October 11). The Color Purple is on at Norwich Theatre from November 1 to 5. Also, visit Art by Cocopina on Instagram and Facebook.