I grew up in London on Montague Street, next to the British Museum. Our street was a diverse mix of families; English, Italian, Greek, Irish, Jewish, and one mixed-race family—mine.

My father was from Accra, Ghana. In the 1930’s, Dad was an African novelty showman called Prince Zulamkah, Prince of the Zulus. He traveled all over England with his troupe performing African Shows. My mum was an English Lancashire lass.

I went to St Martin-in-the-Fields School on Trafalgar Square. I loved school, especially the art classes. At home, I would sit at the kitchen table and design dresses with my colored pencils. I wanted to be a dress designer. When I came to the States, I took classes at Parsons New School of Design in NYC. I started with watercolors.

Now, I work in acrylic on canvas and wood. I love the flow of the acrylic medium. The name “Kole” comes from my father’s sister in Ghana. I grew up looking at her photograph on our mantle piece and feel a connection to her. I know she is with me in spirit. When someone enters a room with one of my paintings, I hope they feel good, even joyful and at peace. Some garden paintings, when they are finished feel very spiritual and seem to flow from my childhood in England.

I often think my African roots have influenced my abstract paintings. With my husband, Larry, as my loyal assistant, I enjoy being on the road and meeting new friends. I cherish my patrons who visit my shows year after year.