Artist statement:
My art is rooted in magical realism, my lived experience, an opening into my interior, my pieces depict fantastical realms I birth into existence. My artistic passion is borne from a need to create new traditions and highlight my people. I prefer confrontational subjects and artistic renderings that challenge the viewer, sometimes making them uncomfortable and encouraging though
t, bringing them into the work, into a conversation with me and my work. In my artistic lineage, I borrow from historical depictions of large bodies such as the work of Rubens, I celebrate them as to promote body positivity within a culture that too often demonizes forms once historically affirmed as aesthetically desirable in western artistic tradition. As a man of size, I feel there are not many positive depictions of large bodies in mainstream art. I also highlight the use of dark-skinned persons, a value inspired greatly by the works of Ludwig Deutsch and his catalog of Islamic art, how he uses hyperrealism and high values to make these individuals come alive. My work is also informed by Kehinde Wiley’s “The Republic” exhibition series where he states “I like to see how artists show light and form over dark skin” My own beloved skin, that quote inspired me to pursue that phenomenon in fantasy. I wish to keep the tradition of mixing art generationally as well as contextually in how audiences and the greater society see’s black and brown bodies. In my works I juxtapose the ordinary people I meet with the fantasy realms I conjure, often taking cues from religious iconography. I like to deify the subject of my pieces to invoke power and give a sense of wonderment to the viewer. My vision is to create new works of fantasy art highlighting people that are seldom seen and elevate them as subjects residing in magical fantasy. Being a self- taught artist comes with a “trial by fire” learning experience. I have studied various techniques to get myself to this point, but I have further to go. In my process of executing my pieces, I use a six grid radial technique using a proportional divider plotting points around each quadrant to find the outline of my work so that I can be as accurate as possible. I use Cross hatching in my illustrations to build value, and show form techniques learned from studying the and reading the lessons offered from Anthony J. Ryder, his lessons gave me an understanding of how to make art.
