This one is a huge part of my career. A gallery manager found me and asked to put on an art show for me. It wasn’t the best show but it was a big step.
Painter files video
Category: life
Q and a
Describe a decision you made in the past that helped you learn or grow.
The big thing that I worked on myself was my style. I had to learn to love it. I hated it for so long because I wanted to draw and paint like others. The shapes were always wrong and the lines too wide. You have too learn too love your mistakes. I got to the point where I converted them into something beautiful. I’m still working on ignoring hate and love for what I do. Both can be hard stops if I over think about them. Just keep learning about yourself and show love.
Q and a
Describe a positive thing a family member has done for you.
My cousin (primo) is a huge basketball fan all my life. Most of the men in my family are about a foot taller then me. He could dunk at 13. I am yet to even touch the rim at 5’10. He used to put me on his shoulders and jump at the rim. It was so much fun at age 13. I remember it greatly. It was simple but sticks with me too this day.
Q and a
Describe one positive change you have made in your life.
Geez, this one is a hard one. I have a hard time seeing my work in a positive light. I don’t think it’s negative by any means. I had this humble weapon beaten into my head.
I like to think I have brought a great deal of representation to my people in my art. I try to take away stigmas in language, features and hair types. It means a lot to me that people see themselves in art. Everyone should have that moment.
Reading list
Kate O’Neil- The tea dragon society (book)
Tv on the radio -wolf like me (music)
A work in progress
Sleep is an enemy paintings
Q and a
How would you improve your community?
I like to think I do it with representation. To make faces that look like them in my art. I try to put the culture in the art to help normalize it. To make me feel like home and hopefully others. If you can’t see yourself in your work how can others?
The start
Q and a
What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?
I honestly draw a little over a cup of coffee before everyone wakes up. Sometimes the cats come find me for head rubs. I listen to some chill old Coltrane album very lightly.
Sometimes I read as the sun comes up.
Kerouac, Baldwin, Cisneros and Gaiman are some of my favorite authors this decade.
jaws_blake 