Interview: Artist Vernicia Respress Brings Bold, Textured Work to ESSENCE Fest

Artist Vernicia Respress says inspiration can come from almost anywhere. Sometimes it’s the energy of an event. Other times it’s a color, a mood, or even something she’s eating.

The Atlanta-based artist showcased her work during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, where attendees were drawn to her vibrant, textured paintings celebrating music and Black culture.

“It’s been amazing,” Respress said of her ESSENCE Festival experience. “A little overwhelming at some points, but absolutely amazing. It’s so great to connect with so many people.”

For ESSENCE Festival, Respress intentionally leaned into music-inspired artwork, allowing the festival’s atmosphere to guide her creative process.

“I get inspired sometimes because I know what event I’m going to,” she said. “So like this is ESSENCE Festival of Music. So that’s why I did a lot of my musical pieces. So it depends on where I’m going. Sometimes it’s a color, sometimes it’s a mood, and sometimes it could be something I’m eating. And I’m like, ‘You know what? I want to paint something inspired by this particular color.'”

One of the defining elements of Respress’ work is its texture. Rather than creating paintings that are only meant to be viewed, she wants audiences to experience them on a deeper level.

“I really love texture,” she said. “I like people to feel the painting, and I feel like when the medium is coming up off the canvas, then you really can feel it and feel like you feel the emotion that went into the painting. So I appreciate, I use acrylic and I use a lot of texture.”

While she’s built an impressive portfolio over the years, one recent project stands above the rest.

Respress pointed to an exhibition at Spelman College as one of the biggest milestones in her career. Working with 10 young women from high schools across Georgia, she helped create a collaborative installation that highlighted both creativity and mentorship.

“That’s really a big milestone for me to work with girls across Georgia at different high schools and actually have an installation at a major, prestigious school like that,” she said.

The project reinforced her commitment to investing in the next generation of artists while creating opportunities for young creatives to see their work displayed in meaningful spaces.