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About

The Full Story

"Forward isn't Just a direction - It's a decision"

I am an up-and-coming artist based out of Harlem, NY on a journey to showcase my work in the medium of painting. For too long, I let life place my dreams on pause — but not anymore.

As a Harlem native, my artistry has always been rooted in the stories of where I come from. My father came from Jennings, Antigua. I grew up watching him build a life here, starting his own business from nothing but determination, faith, and blueprints he would spread out on the kitchen table. His kindness, discipline, and eye for design fueled my imagination and gave me a living example of what vision and opportunity could create.

My mother, born in Conway, South Carolina, carries the strength and grace of a true Southern belle. From a young age, she made her own clothes, sewing with skill and style that inspired me and my siblings to embrace creativity in everyday life. Her sweet spirit and resourcefulness taught me that beauty can be built with your own two hands.

They met in Harlem and together gave me the foundation of vision, creativity, and resilience that I now pour into my art.

From an early age, I kept sketch journals and found myself constantly imagining new ideas. Some of my happiest moments were drawing on whatever scraps of paper I could find — even the blank pages at the back of my elementary textbooks became my first canvases. Harlem in the early 2000s was the perfect place to grow up as a young artist. The energy, the culture, and the rhythm of the neighborhood all left vivid memories that I now translate onto canvas.

In 2017 I graduated , I studied fashion at Buffalo State , I took advance drawing course and art history classes. After leave schooI I worked in roles that often pulled me away from art, 2024 was a turning point for my journey — the year I reclaim my creativity and step boldly FORWARD.

My hope is that my art not only reflects my story, but also inspires others to chase their own. I want to connect, collaborate, and build a community where we remind each other that dreams are worth pursuing.

Forward isn’t just a direction — it’s a decision.

If my journey resonates with you, I invite you to stay connected, share encouragement, or support this new venture with a donation. Every step forward is fueled by love, gratitude, and the belief that art can move us all.

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845-675-8222

Harlem, USA

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© 2024 ForwardBLVD. All Rights Reserved.
All artwork, images, and content on this website are the intellectual property of Toni Merchant. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of any materials without explicit permission is strictly prohibited. For licensing or purchase inquiries, please contact Forwardblvd@gmail.com.

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