There’s truly something special in choosing what you surround yourself with. For me, living a soft life isn’t just about bubble baths, travel, and curated playlists— although I love all of that—it’s about creating a space that nurtures self-care, opulence, unity, and love. One of the most soulful ways I’ve embraced this journey? Art.
I have always been drawn to how colors speak and how brushstrokes and bold lines can capture a feeling, a memory, or a truth. This is why I collect art that radiates positivity, optimism, and makes the onlooker think.
I recently added a new piece to my collection that does all of that and more. It’s a digital masterpiece by Harlem-based artist Corey Wesley. Gifted it to me by Wesley, the artwork is titled, Speechless.
The moment I hung it up, something shifted. I felt seen. I felt heard. Ironically, I also felt speechless.
The Story Behind Speechless
According to the artist, the piece was born from the emotional storm of the 2024 election season, and its quiet intensity hit me right in the chest. Like many of us, Wesley found himself overwhelmed—not just by results, but by what they represented.
“Originally, I named it Unapologetic Speechless American Flag,” Wesley shared in a conversation. “But over time, I decided that Unapologetic would remain the series name, while this particular piece is simply called Speechless. And honestly, that title says everything about how I felt when I created it.”
“Even though we voted, even though we showed up… it felt like our voices weren’t heard,” he explained. “Speechless is the physical embodiment of that moment—the feeling of having so much to say but knowing that, in that instant, words wouldn’t change a thing.”
This raw honesty comes through not only in the emotion of the piece but also in Wesley’s artistic process.
Corey Wesley’s Artistic Journey And Inspiration
A self-taught digital artist, the New Yorker discovered his voice during one of the most challenging periods of his life, during the pandemic.
“I found my voice through digital art—a voice that, for a long time, I thought was too much. Too loud, too bold, too unapologetic. But that’s exactly what makes my work powerful,” he tells me.
Wesley’s work centers around faces that are fragmented, deconstructed, and reassembled to reflect something deeper than appearances.
“Sometimes, it looks like tears, but tears don’t always mean sorrow. They can symbolize release, transformation, and even joy,” Wesley explains about his work, which often features a vivid, emotionally charged palette of black and red. “The meaning shifts depending on the onlooker because identity, perception, and emotion are never static.”
I love that sentiment because that’s exactly how Speechless made me feel.
What makes Wesley’s work even more unique is the material he prints on: metal and aluminum. “This isn’t traditional canvas art—it’s something raw, dynamic, and immersive,” he said. “The way metal interacts with light adds another dimension to each piece. It demands attention!”
Celebrating The Art Of Exclusivity
As a woman who deeply values culture, freedom of expression, and emotional honesty, this piece fits seamlessly into my art journey.
My family and I don’t just buy art because it’s trendy; we collect pieces that reflect who we are, how we feel, and what we aspire to be. Speechless reminds me that even in silence, there is power.
“My art is a reflection of my journey, but once it leaves my hands, I want it to become a part of someone else’s journey,” Wesley adds.
And let me tell you, connected is the right word. Wesley’s work doesn’t just hang, it lives with you.
Another reason I treasure this piece? It’s exclusivity. Wesley doesn’t reproduce his art. When a piece is sold, it’s gone forever, just like a moment in time.
“If I were to mass-produce my art, it would strip away that singularity,” he explained. “While multiple people can connect with a piece, the creation itself should belong to one person, one collector. Just as each of us carries our distinct journey.”
Living A Soulful Soft Life With Art
Art collecting has become part of my soft life in the most unexpected and affirming ways. It’s a practice rooted in intention.
When someone asks me how I choose my pieces, I smile and say, “I choose what speaks to me or makes me feel at peace.”
Or in the case of Speechless, what moves me, even without words.
So, whether you’re just starting to curate your space or looking to expand your collection, I encourage you to look for art that feels like an extension of your soul. Let it be joyful, bold, challenging, or calming—but above all, let it be yours.
To view more of Corey Wesley’s bold, emotional work, visit: miltonwesart.com.
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
