Real Eyes, Realize: An Artist's journey through the eyes of her Muse, Queen Nanny of the Maroons Hardcover – October 22, 2025

Real Eyes, Realize is a powerful memoir and artistic journey by self-taught mixed media artist, Shantelle Vanterpool. In this stunning coffee table book, Shantelle's artistic pilgrimage leads her to various historical sites tied to African, North American, and Caribbean heritage. She traces her ancestry through the lens of her grandmothers, who hailed from Nova Scotia and Virginia, while connecting with indigenous communities that reveal forgotten truths about the African diaspora.This memoir also showcases Shantelle's personal artwork, including vibrant needlework, custom-made footwear inspired by her grandmothers, and evocative paintings and photographs reflecting themes of empowerment, heritage, and the environment. It also features a groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) experience that brings her memoir to life in the digital realm, providing readers with an interactive way to engage with the artwork, travel stories, and historical content. Read more