Since 1997, USPS has produced 10 stamps inspired by the Pan-African holiday, including the one this year designed by Holmes.
The mixed media artist spoke with the Banner about her Kwanzaa stamp, what inspires her as an artist and the importance of goals.
Banner: How did you come to design a Kwanzaa stamp?
Holmes: A designer from the United States Postal Service first contacted me in April of 2020. Talk about planning ahead! Unfortunately the COVID pandemic had just begun in March and the country was shut down. I was very curious about how the USPS had learned about my art practice.
Ms. Kessler said they had a list of artists they wanted to work with and had reached out to me via email. The message said simply, “possible collaboration. Would love to chat with you. … Do you have time on Monday, April 13th or as it works in your schedule?” Over the next 12 months we met on Zoom to discuss the project.
To design a stamp, you have to take into account how small the final product will be. The image has to be read at a very small size. Having good contrast and color is a must. I wanted young people movng in unity to be the focus. The project was completed in April 2022 then printed and distributed this year.