What started as an art collection has turned into an art business sensation for Cozetta Jones.
Art by Cozi is a business that specializes in Black Contemporary art, all painted by Jones. Jones started the business after collecting art and deciding to try her hand at painting.
“I thought I wanted to be an abstract artist but soon realized that I didn’t have the talent. I was afraid to try portraits or still paintings. I thought that was for real artists. I definitely had imposter syndrome,” Jones said.
Shortly after, Jones began her first portrait in 2021. She named it “Zola.”
"Zola" painted by Cozetta Jones.
The painting features a nude, Black woman kneeling with a shimmering, gold background.
“Zola was the first painting that I presented publicly,” Jones said. She took the painting to a gallery in North Little Rock, which was hosting a body painting event.
“Zola was the centerpiece of the show,” Jones said. Jones sold the painting to a client the same day.
Jones decided to start her art business officially after changing careers.
“As I started soul searching, I painted,” Jones said. She then created another painting titled “Flower Girl.” While finishing the painting, she came across a bath and body shop in Downtown Little Rock that she thought would be a perfect location for Flower Girl. “I was just thinking to show, not to sell.”
A couple of months later, someone from Opera in the Rock came into the store wanting to feature the painting in an auction. Flower Girl sold.
"Flower Girl" painted by Cozetta Jones.
“I was excited and confused. People really liked my paintings,” Jones said.
Following her success with the first two paintings, Jones created an online shop and applied for an LLC. Jones said that her feelings inspire her paintings.
“The feeling tells me what to paint,” Jones said.
Artists Tyra Powers and Whitney Austin inspired Jones.
Outside of her art business, Jones is a public relations and communications professor at UCA and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.
When it comes to managing a business, while being a professor, Jones said, “It’s all about time management.”
Jones said that she likes to paint in the mornings, before officially starting her day.
“Painting has become one of the first things I want to do in the morning, after my coffee,” Jones said.
The Conway Art Walk will feature Jones’ art in November. The Creative Institute of Central Arkansas hosts the art walk on the first Friday of every month, where guests can visit downtown for food, drinks and view the art on display.
More information can be found at creativeinstitutear.org/artwalk.
The Black Girl Art Show in Atlanta will feature Jones’ art in December. Jones’ work can be found at artbycozi.com and etsy.com/shop/artbycozi.
Jones has original paintings and prints available for purchase. Customers can also request commission pieces on her site.
Jones can be found on Instagram @artbycozigirl for more updates.