“Over the past few months, I’ve been working on the Portraits and Portals project. I’ve been paired with the storyteller, Thérèse Mabulay Kamalebo. Hearing her story of overcoming immense adversity amidst tragedy is truly a blessing. I’m honored to be able to tell her story in an artistic manner.”
Tyree Brown
The Process: An animatic for an advocate
We’ve decided that Thérèse’s story will be told through a storyboard animatic, a video composed of still images, motion graphics, and narration. As an artist, my entire life, I’ve only created art that I could physically touch—pencil on paper, paint, ink, and various mediums. Creating a storyboard animatic with my computer is a relatively new concept for me. I received my certificate in Media Production from the Prince Georges Community College in 2023. The education I received from PGCC not only advanced my knowledge in art but also digital arts. I never imagined I could elevate my artistic medium to this level, but here we are!
I hope this project demonstrates my commitment to art. I also hope it beautifully and artistically tells Thérèse’s story.
The Final Piece: Thérèse’s Story
Without further delay, press play to view Tyree’s amazing animatic art piece!
Video Description: In most of the video, what is on screen visually is also being conveyed audibly through the narration. For accessibility, we want to give a brief overall description of what will be seen before we begin the piece. The video begins with the words: “Art by Tyree, A Quad Production – based on the true and powerful story of Thérèse Mabulay Kamalebo.” Tyree narrates while drawings on screen help tell the story. First, we see Thérèse with arms open wide by a lake and trees, with sun and clouds in the sky. Other drawings show a volcano erupting, cars stuck on highways, crowded homes, and a family evacuating their community. We see Thérèse looking worried, in pain, and talking to her doctor. She also thinks about her children and about barriers in society while disabled. Later images show Thérèse with new ideas, playing wheelchair basketball, speaking into a microphone, and soldiers among damaged buildings. At the end, four sketched polaroid-style portraits appear of Thérèse and three other people. The video ends with credits naming Tyree Brown, Justice Shorter, PGCC TV, The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, epidemicsound.com, and audio technician Cole Holloman.
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Praise for the Final Piece
Loved the story and the illustrations!”
“Love this so much.”
Love the Animation along with story!
“Loved the Tyree video and the strength and diversity of the illustrations.”
“Awesome animation, Tyree! Very powerful!”
Biography
Tyree Brown, a 30-year-old Christian visual artist residing in Maryland, faced a life-altering car accident in 2015 that left her quadriplegic. Art, an integral part of her life, underwent a transformative change after her injury. She lost the ability to walk and use her dominant right hand. During rehabilitation, she discovered a newfound strength in using her left hand to train it for drawing. This novel challenge presented obstacles, but her unwavering faith in Jesus guided her through the process. Through her portraits and unwavering faith, she found a means to cope with her disability and enhance her artistic skills. Tyree’s artwork serves as a powerful message, inspiring others to embrace life with a disability, finding solace in faith, creativity and hope.
Portraits & Portals 