Gallery Reserve
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About Mireille Gracia Belinga
Originally from Cameroon in Central Africa, Mireille Gracia Belinga is a jewelry and apparel designer based in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Where she lives with her husband and 6 children. Belinga is the founder of BELINGA UAFS providing scholarship opportunities giving back to communities in poverty.
In 2015, I left Cameroon after a career in Journalism, a stint as the sole weather anchor on national TV, then following my husband to the United States. After much pondering, I rediscovered my artistic side that was slumbering since my youth. I must admit, that from the beginning, my life was literally infused with the manufacture of jewelry by my mother. She used to make necklaces, wristbands with pearls, thread that we would wear during special events and give as presents to friends and family. What started as a hobby to pass time as a housewife, soon became my present endeavor. My inspiration finds its source in Cameroonian women in particular and African women in general who are considered to be the backbone of local cultures; They are strong. It is that strength that I draw upon, reminiscing about the experiences I had with my grandmother and my mother who often, without significant financial means, managed to feed large families with the work of their hands. And this, always, with a smile that continuously spreads love and happiness around them. In my creations, there is a little of everything: beauty, desire, love, frustration, sorrow, but most importantly hope and thanks! It is a means of personal expression, but it is also aimed at showcasing the work done by others, especially those women, less fortunate than myself. My dream today is to make their future better, as they help others, including the orphans, and the indigent. Perhaps, I can help them shine a little bit. I am grateful for my loving and supportive family, for accompanying me on this journey.
About the art
Originally from Cameroon in Central Africa, Mireille Gracia Belinga is a jewelry and apparel designer based in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Where she lives with her husband and 6 children. Belinga is the founder of BELINGA UAFS providing scholarship opportunities giving back to communities in poverty.
In 2015, I left Cameroon after a career in Journalism, a stint as the sole weather anchor on national TV, then following my husband to the United States. After much pondering, I rediscovered my artistic side that was slumbering since my youth. I must admit, that from the beginning, my life was literally infused with the manufacture of jewelry by my mother. She used to make necklaces, wristbands with pearls, thread that we would wear during special events and give as presents to friends and family. What started as a hobby to pass time as a housewife, soon became my present endeavor. My inspiration finds its source in Cameroonian women in particular and African women in general who are considered to be the backbone of local cultures; They are strong. It is that strength that I draw upon, reminiscing about the experiences I had with my grandmother and my mother who often, without significant financial means, managed to feed large families with the work of their hands. And this, always, with a smile that continuously spreads love and happiness around them. In my creations, there is a little of everything: beauty, desire, love, frustration, sorrow, but most importantly hope and thanks! It is a means of personal expression, but it is also aimed at showcasing the work done by others, especially those women, less fortunate than myself. My dream today is to make their future better, as they help others, including the orphans, and the indigent. Perhaps, I can help them shine a little bit. I am grateful for my loving and supportive family, for accompanying me on this journey.