Live Everyday With Intention 2025
This artwork is a reflection of self-awareness, enlightenment, resilience and intention. The woman, centered in the middle, is split by a golden seam – like a kintsugi repair, symbolising strength in imperfection. Behind her, is a bird emerging which represents freedom and the power of living with purpose. The iconography behind her head, symbolising the sun, reinforces the themes of enlightenment, spirituality and hope in the everyday.
The phrase "Live everyday with intention" brings the piece together, serving as a quiet but powerful reminder to move through life with meaning (like the bird positioned behind our subject). My intention and the message for this piece is about embracing growth, transformation and the beauty found in our own spiritual journey.
Speak Beautiful Things 2021
This artwork explores the power of words and the importance of kindness, both to ourselves and others. The figure, strong yet introspective, is split by a deep blue seam, symbolizing self-reflection and the duality of inner and outer expression. Surrounding him, delicate flowers emerge—representing the beauty that can blossom from words spoken with care. The ocean behind him reflects depth and emotion, while the crescent moon evokes intuition and contemplation.
The phrases "Be Kind" and "Speak Beautiful Things" anchor the piece, serving as gentle reminders of the impact our words hold. This artwork is a meditation on mindfulness in speech, encouraging us to choose words that heal, uplift, and inspire.
Note: The text above was written by the Artist. No modification was made by COCA.
Renée Forbes
United Kingdom
https://renee-antoinette.weebly.com/
An Illustrator and Visual Artist from Jamaica, based in London, UK. My work is all about exploring identity, spirituality, and the human experience through the lens of collage. I use a mix of images, textures, and lettering to create pieces that feel familiar but also a bit fragmented. I also use words not just as visual elements, but as messages, sometimes offering positive statements or affirmations – creating space for reflection, for thought, and for connection.
Spirituality plays a big role in my work. I’m drawn to the idea of the unseen and the intuitive—how we navigate the deeper parts of ourselves, the world around us and our belief systems. My identity as a black woman is also a huge influence on what I create. It shapes the stories I tell and the messages I want to communicate.