Local artist is multi-talented

Cass County has a lot of hidden gems nestled in its rolling hills and piney woods.

Gems are often characterized as rare and precious. Of course, the gems I speak of are in the shape of human beings.

I recently came across one of our gems right here in Atlanta that is indeed rare and precious. I’ve known Kenisha Webster for 12 years but had no idea her creativity stretched far beyond the lens of her camera. Webster, who is a multidisciplinary artist, explores cultural history, sustainability and transformation which is seen in her work.

Her Passion

“I create vessels and sculptures that explore themes of cultural history, resilience and transformation,” Webster said. “I custom blend, reclaim and work with sustainably sourced clay from my family’s land in northeast Texas or what is known as The Piney Woods.”

“This iron-rich dirt, once the main ingredient in my famous mudpies (which I may or may not have sampled) and the chalk for hopscotch games in the middle of a country road with my cousins, now forms the foundation of my art,” Webster remarked.

When asked what stirred her passion for art she replied, “Art brought me peace and a safe place to express myself. I’ve always been creative, but I truly fell in love with art again at Texarkana College. Dr. Angela Melde, Associate Professor of Visual Arts and Humanities at Texarkana College, helped me work through my limitations and never let me give up. She became my mentor and still supports me as I continue my journey at East Texas A&M University. When I told her, ‘Sign me up for as much as possible—whatever it takes to graduate early,’ she did just that. She encouraged me to try ceramics. I had never touched clay before May 2023, but I trusted her. I fell in love on the very first day and knew immediately that I wanted to pursue a degree involving ceramics. Now, I’m waiting on acceptance letters to continue toward my MFA in ceramics.”

Webster holds an Associate of Arts in Fine Art from Texarkana College and will receive a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from East Texas A&M University in May 2025.

She also served as Clay Club President at East Texas A&M University, leading initiatives that fostered creativity among student ceramicists.

Her Medium

Every artist has a preferred medium. In Webster’s case it’s clay but that clay holds a special meaning.

When asked how clay became the source of medium used in her pieces she answered, “Clay became my voice. It’s where I work through thoughts, prayers, and healing. I listen to old school gospel music while I work—it’s my time with God. The wheel is sacred to me; it’s where He downloads things into my spirit. Clay feels alive, and it listens when I work with it. While I also enjoy painting and mixed media, clay is where I feel most connected. One of my proudest discoveries is learning how to create a usable clay body from the bright red earth I played in as a child—we used it as chalk to draw hopscotch boards. That connection to my past made the medium even more personal.”

Fire plays a central role in her practice, representing both destruction and transformation. By repurposing natural materials and embracing sustainability, her work reflects renewal, and the beauty found in what is often overlooked.

Her surface designs combine African influences with contemporary aesthetics while maintaining a low carbon footprint.

Beyond ceramics, Webster’s artwork has earned notable recognition, including Best in Show and Juror’s Choice awards, with pieces displayed in regional contests and public collections.

Her Goal

Every artist also sets a goal on what they want to portray in and through their artwork.

When asked what her primary goal is to portray with her artwork she said, “ My work is about transformation, healing, and honoring my roots. I create with my ancestors in mind and reflect on how far we’ve come. I’m big on recycling and sustainability— my grandfather used to bring things home and find new uses for them. My father does the same, and now it’s my turn. I reimagine what I already have to reduce waste, which helps lower my carbon footprint. I want my work to reflect that sense of resourcefulness, cultural history, and faith. Fire is a recurring symbol in my work— showing how beauty can come from what has been burned or broken.”

“This land holds more than clay—it carries stories passed down through generations. My work reflects the deep connection I feel to this place, blending its raw materials with research, ancestral narratives, childhood memories, and reflections on social issues. By reimagining materials shaped by time, fire, and memory, I honor history and reveal the beauty in what is often overlooked,” Webster added. “Sustainability remains essential to my practice, allowing me to work with the land that shaped my childhood while paying tribute to my grandparents and the legacy of those who came before me.”

Her Path

Most artists never have a clear-cut path carved out for them.

When asked how the creative path has been for her up to this point, she said, “It’s been full of unexpected turns, but every step has had purpose. Returning to school as a non-traditional student while managing a disability hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. I’ve grown as an artist, developed leadership as President of the Clay Club, and strengthened my voice through clay. I’ve won awards, exhibited my work, and even have a watercolor piece sealed in a city time capsule. I’ve learned how to fire kilns independently and gained confidence through every experience. My faith and determination keep me moving forward.”

Her Artwork

Webster’s work celebrates freedom, memory, and transformation, offering reflections on resilience, sustainability and the enduring power of heritage. That’s what happens when you lay down your camera and let your passion spring to life in another form. In this instance her passion takes the form of clay pieces which display transformation, healing and honoring her roots. If you would like to see these amazing pieces in person, the opening Spring Art Show reception will be from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 21, inside the Humanities Building on the campus of Texarkana College.

The show, titled “Visions and Views: Art in a Changing World”, will run from Monday, April 21 to Friday, April 25.

Webster is joining as an alumni highlight where her ceramic vessels and sculptures will be in the glass display case.

If anyone would like to buy pieces from her collection you can visit her website at kenishawebster.com—there’s a contact form there to reach her.

“My hands are often in clay, so please bear with me if I take a moment to respond, Webster said. “I also post updates and artwork on Instagram under @kenishaw_art. I’m currently building more ways for people to view and purchase my ceramics, including my custom home tiles. Stay tuned.”