artist statement

“When I read great literature, great drama, speeches, or sermons, I feel that the human mind has not achieved anything greater than the ability to share feelings and thoughts through language.”  - James Earl Jones                                              

The central theme of my work is an attempt to sincerely understand all facets (past and present) of the American Negro—including myself through the language of graphite, charcoal, and colored pencils. My creations not only require focused studies of physical characteristics, but also emotional, influential, and racial discourses.

My work primarily focuses on portraiture and realism on a moderately large scale. The goal of these particular compositions is to incorporate an extremely raw and unfiltered narrative for the audience in hopes of provoking thought and emotion. By using cultural criticisms and sub layers of pop culture, I explore my personal inspirations and expose hereditary social problems of African Americans and myself alike. These inherited social issues, what I like to call Colorisms, have and continue to mold me, my creative process, and the world around me both negatively and positively. I compose what I believe to be truths surrounding Colorisms with the intention of igniting dialogue that will manifest into various forms of education, self-worth, perseverance, and new ways of thinking.

My art is more than renderings of physical forms—it is my unique ability to share feelings, thoughts, and inspirations through the language of drawing. And just as James E. Jones said, “the human mind has not achieved anything greater.”