How do you turn a hairstyle into a work of art?

Every month, we feature a new take on the CBC Arts logo created by a Canadian artist. Check out our previous logos!

D'Andra Morris tells stories with hair. She's created fantastical looks that have appeared on screen — like a battle-ready mace for the Toronto singer Allie. And as the founder of Bloom Hair Art, she plaits her wildest dreams into reality. "I like to create shapes using braids and patterns that aren't normally seen," says Morris. They're sculptures, she says — works of art. And for Black History Month, she developed this logo design for CBC Arts. (Modelled by Rahnell Branton, it was photographed by Roya DelSol.)

"I wanted it to have elements of the classic CBC logo, but I also wanted it to feel authentic to my work," Morris says. Since founding the Bloom Hair Art brand in 2019, Morris's designs have been featured in editorial photo shoots, commercials and films including On a Sunday at Eleven, a short which screened at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. But she's been imagining the artistic possibilities of hair much longer than that.

"I've always loved braiding hair," says Morris, "and [I] learned by braiding my grandmother's hair while living in Jamaica. I wanted to be creative and make sculptures out of hair and intricate patterns. I also wanted hair to tell a story just by looking at it," she writes. So what's the story behind her CBC Arts logo? Read on.

Name: D'Andra Morris

Age: 33

Homebase: Maple, Ont.

Let's talk about your logo! What inspired the concept?  

The concept was inspired by previous work that I've done. [It's] how I would highlight my art for Black History Month and the beauty of braids. Braids are a powerful way to celebrate the culture and show that [hair] can be worn many different ways and still be seen as a masterpiece. 

What sources do you often turn to for ideas and inspiration? 

I love looking at old photo albums and seeing what styles influenced culture back in the day. Sometimes, when I'm watching films or series, I'll see a look that sparks interest and I may screenshot it and re-create the style. I use Pinterest as well and consistently create boards to draw inspiration from. Oftentimes, I'll visualize something and sketch it just to get the idea out.

What's new in your world? What are you working on these days? 

I've been into collaging and creating designs from photos that I've taken. I'll also be working on a hair sculpture that will be featured in an exhibition.

The opening is Feb. 15 at It's OK Studios [in Toronto]. The exhibition explores works rooted in Black spiritualism that imbue protection.

What's your favourite place to see art? 

I look for art everywhere. Nature is one of my favourite places to see art. Flowers and trees often have intricate patterns and textures that catch my eye and remind me of hair. 

Who's the last artist you discovered online? 

Recently I came across Faith-Melody, who is a hair sculpture artist. I was so moved and inspired by her work.

What work of art do you wish you owned? 

I would love to own one of Oreka James's creations and one of Cristina Martinez's paintings. 

Are there any arts events on your radar this February? What are you excited to check out? 

I usually enjoy staying inside during the colder months — I use that time to reflect and plan for the year ahead — so there hasn't been anything that has sparked my interest, unfortunately. However, once spring rolls around I'll be looking for events to see more art around the city. 

Where can we see more from you? 

Instagram (@bloomhairart).

This conversation has been edited and condensed.