“Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.” –Pope John Paul II
Chakila L. Hoskins is a fine arts painter and drawer from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She began honing her God-given talents at Grand Rapids Community College, where she received her AFA (2009). Hoskins continued her journey graduating cum laude and earning her BFA in Painting and a minor in drawing from Kendall College of Art & Design (2012), where she also received her MFA in Painting (2016). Hoskins’ work focuses on themes of Spirituality and Eternal Life. Hoskins believes that art should be obtainable and enjoyed by everyone. She has learned about semiotics, the theory and study of signs and symbols, and applies it in her artwork. Semiotics uses communication, which requires a sender, a message, and an intended receiver. Her use of biblical scriptures and poems in braille is a means for the blind and visually impaired to connect with Hoskins’ art. Braille is a tactile media form of Semiotics. Hoskins currently resides and works in Grand Rapids as a Continuing Studies Youth Instructor and an art teacher at New Era Christian School.