tina g. vincent

An artist who works across a variety of mediums, Tina G. Vincent is best known for her “Women of Color” paper mâché sculptures.

The North Carolina-based artist stresses that her artwork embodies the beauty of everyday women, celebrating their shapes, skin tones — and unique differences.

Artist: Born in Zimbabwe, Vincent lived there until age eight when her family relocated to the Dominican Republic for her father’s job at Unilever. Four years later they returned to Africa, where Vincent spent her high school years in Zimbabwe.

After high school, Vincent moved to the United States to attend college at Lander University, where she earned a BA in visual arts and a MA in art teacher education. After college, she worked as an art teacher in South Carolina.

Vincent now lives with her family in Charlotte, teaching high school art in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools.

Company/studio: Tina G. Vincent LLC, started in 2020, in Charlotte. Vincent works from her home studio.

In the beginning: As an art teacher, Vincent’s profession deeply influences her artistic journey. Many of her pieces began as lessons crafted for her students.

In 2016, she started teaching a sculpture class and planned to develop a lesson on creating paper mache sculptures of human figures.

Vincent chose paper mache as her medium because it is often underestimated, yet it is remarkably versatile and allows for a variety of creative combinations.

While she first considered ceramics, the complexities of working with clay — such as drying times and the need for more space and equipment — led her to favor paper mache.

The Charlotte artist appreciates how the paper is delicate when wet but becomes a strong material once dry, enabling her to add layers each day while allowing them to dry, while teaching her classes.

Art & materials: Paper mache sculptures of women made with paper and glue ($750 to $2,000). Also mixed media, quilting and paintings.

“The sculptures depict curvy women of color embracing their bodies, bodies that society often pressures them to hide and feel ashamed of,” said Vincent. “Through my art, I showcase the empowerment that comes with self-acceptance.”

The sculptures are frequently exhibited in groups, she added, symbolizing the collective strength that women possess when they uplift and support one another.

Process: Creating paper mache dolls is a time-intensive process, she because of the multiple layers and drying time required a figure.

It takes about two and a half weeks to complete a single doll, said Vincent. If she works on it daily.

Favorite tools:

Recycled and upcycled fabrics and paper.
Glue

Inspirations:

Her African background.
Her years in the Dominican Republic, where the bright colored architecture and traditional crafts sparked her interest in art.
Bisa Butler, a fiber artist known for her intricate quilted portraits.

Special commissions:

Approached by the Rev. Dr. LaVerne Hall to create a doll of Sojourner Truth. Hall, clergy member, author and doll collector, promotes and incorporates custom, artist-made Sojourner Truth dolls into her ministry, books and educational exhibits.

“I was so excited that she trusted me to create her last Sojourner Truth Doll,” said Vincent. “I am honored that one of my creations is now a part of her amazing doll collection in Seattle, WA.”.

Partnered with Harlem Portland and Little Brown publishing company to promote “skin & bones,” a 2024 adult fiction book by best-selling author Renee Watson, known for her young adult books.

Recent honors: Many including:

Selected for ArtPop Street Gallery Class of 2023 in Charlotte, NC. The non-profit organization promotes 20 artists in Charlotte metro area on billboards and electronic displays nationwide, including in Times Square, NY.

“ArtPop has given me so much exposure and has really validated my work as a professional artist,” said Vincent.

Current exhibit: Juried exhibition showcasing the works of 22 artists, including Vincent, from across North Carolina at the Delta Arts Center, Winston-Salem. Through March 27.

What’s next: Her artwork, Emotional Baggage,” was selected for the 2026 ArtFields Festival in Lake City, SC. April 10-May 2.

Where to buy: