Adams, who grew up in District Heights and now lives in LeDroit Park, recently left her corporate life as a consultant and is now a full-time artist. For her, work and leisure often collide.
“I’m definitely influenced by history and culture,” says Adams, 31. “I recently attended a conference organized by the Latrobe Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians, focused on the planning and preservation of the Shaw neighborhood. I love history, so it was great to learn more about such a prominent black neighborhood in DC”
Adams’ first solo exhibition, “Two things can be true», is on view at Eaton DC until August 5, with 15 canvases, mainly oil paintings. Drawing inspiration from memory, literature, and research, Adams creates floral landscapes and still lifes that reflect her home, her travels, and her ancestral connection to the land.
On her dream day, when she’s not hauling canvases across town to the curators, Adams soaks up the sun on her back patio, takes nighttime walks around town with her partner and, of course, paints.
I would start my day with my usual morning routine. My mornings set the tone for my day, so the day of my dreams, I wish it would continue. After a morning workout or class at Equinox in Georgetown, I would come home, turn on my kettle and brew my favorite local tea, Table tea room, a local brand owned by black people and women. I would add oat milk to my cup of the Kinfolk blend and begin my morning guided meditation with the Calm app, followed by a journal and reading my devotional. Life can be very busy, full of meetings, coffees and planning projects. On my dream day, I’d like to slow things down a bit and take the time to explore and experience some of my favorite places and things.
After my morning tea, I would go for a walk in my neighborhood to get some fresh air and exercise. big bear is my favorite cafe in my neighborhood, so if I don’t have a latte at home, I’ll go get one. When I returned, I would start my day in my art studio, which used to be our dining room, I would read, take notes and start working on my paintings. Even though painting is my job, I would still like to spend time in the studio on my dream day.
After some time in the studio, I have to find the perfect outfit, and I aim for chic but comfortable. I spend a lot of time thinking about outfits and ways to wear the things I already have, but here I would choose my Nike Cortez which are so comfortable. Once dressed, I would go see the Phillips collection, to surround myself with art and see the opening of new exhibitions. They have a permanent collection of Jacob Lawrence boards”Migration Seriesand it’s always nice to see them again. Every time I see them, I feel something new from these historical works.
After passing through Phillips, I was heading towards Zorba’s Cafe, a few blocks away in Dupont. They have my favorite pizza in town and a nice outdoor patio. As an artist, I love going to see new shows and exhibitions. But more intentionally, I really enjoy attending lectures on history and art. So on my art walk I would stop National Art Gallery to see Richard Powell conference on Jacob Lawrence.
After lunch, I headed to Georgetown and visited Lantern bookstore on P street. They have used and antique books, ranging from arts, culture and cooking. I recently found some amazing catalogs of African American art browsing these shelves.
I really enjoy visiting old and new restaurants in town. I would text a friend and meet for dinner at At Billy South in Georgetown. The French restaurant has a beautiful dining room and an outdoor terrace worthy of a French countryside. They have a stellar wine list, and I would start with their fries. For my meal, I would accompany the duck with a deep red wine.
On a warm spring day, I like to spend as much time as possible outdoors. On my perfect DC day, I was meeting friends for an evening drink and catching up at Marvinon the rooftop, which used to be at 14th and U streets. Besides the always great music, I loved the mussels and fries, which came with a Delirium beer, of course.
My fiancé is in finance and also has a busy schedule, so we try to relax and go for car rides around the city, visiting different places and neighborhoods. Particularly highlighting architecturally striking buildings like some of the northwestern embassies or any new restaurants we didn’t try or hear were good.
We were going home, but on the way we stop at our beloved by Stan to pick up an order of fried wings, enough for a small gathering. Then we would come home, open a bottle of wine, or two since it would be an optimal day of relaxation, on our terrace, invite friends over and feast on our back terrace.
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