As part of a new 8News digital series “Artist Uncovered,” we will explore the stories beyond the visual. In shining a light on the inspiration, processes, and creative hacks, we will contextualize the impact of art in the community. Kicking off the series is Richmond-native, mixed-media artist, Justice Dwight. Featured below is an exclusive interview with Dwight on his journey to carving out a lane of his own with what he calls “Afro-pop art.”
SMITH: For those who are unfamiliar with your art, how would you describe it?
DWIGHT: Bold, colorful, unapologetic and mixed media. It’s always going to make you feel something.
SMITH: Where did your artistic journey begin?
DWIGHT: It started early on because of my dad. He was a painter. He painted realistic portraits, and I would stay up all night watching him create. And he’s color blind so I used to help him with his colors and mix them for him. Along the way, he saw my interest in it and taught me so many things. Because of that, I enrolled in art class. At home, it was like, “You’re the best artist on the planet,” just so supportive. At school, it was the exact opposite, “you’re the worst artist in the world.” But it didn’t deter me from doing it. I remember in eighth grade, I accidentally got put into advanced art. And the teacher was really sweet and was like “You can stay if you want to stay, I really enjoy having you here.” And so, I stayed. Even though my art wasn’t up to the level of the students in the class, I kept with advanced art until I graduated. And I got better but it also just turned into something that I really loved and wanted to fight for in my life.
SMITH: Your art combines vibrant colors, mixed media textiles and textures to depict the Black, Queer experience. What is the message you’re trying to convey through these choices?
DWIGHT: I always want my art to convey the story that there is a piece of you in this painting. Whether you directly see yourself or not, there’s a version of you that exists inside my world. And I want you to know that that version of you exists in love. You are loved, and you are seen, and you are heard. So, even if it’s not a direct representation of you, you can see someone that you love within my portraits.
SMITH: In a recent interview that you did for Pride, the headline read: “I walked out of my retail job and into my new life as a Black, Queer artist. Here’s how.” Walk me through that last day at your retail job. What was going through your head and what was the biggest catalyst to make that leap?
DWIGHT: Working for that job was really a pressure cooker. I feel like I learned so much about myself there and I’m really grateful for that. The day I left, I was having a sisterly fight with my coworker regarding the company. To me, certain things didn’t add up about certain breakdowns of pay. The coins didn’t make sense. And my manager, at the time, told me I should be grateful for what I was getting and that I should shut up and take it. I have the name Justice; I’m going to fight for what I believe is right. After I was told I should be grateful, I sat quietly. I get very quiet when I’m really upset. And there was a voice in my head that was not my own, and it said, “I got you. Just go.” So, I grabbed my bag. I dropped off that key and phone they gave me, and I marched right up out those doors. And that was the end of that. What I’m grateful for is that there’s another way than this. I knew what was on the other side of those doors was scary, but staying was scarier.
SMITH: If you were to create Justice’s Mount Rushmore of artists who have influenced you, who would be featured?
DWIGHT: My dad is going to be the first head in the stones. I would definitely put Barkley L. Hendricks next. Then, Lisa Butler, Mickalene Thomas, and Derrick Adams. These are the artists I reference and look to for inspiration. They all work in portraiture differently. All of their characters are as bold, as I try to be in my everyday life. That’s what influences my work, it’s their boldness and brightness, and the mixed materials they choose to use. All of that comes full circle to what I create.
SMITH: You are someone who is constantly making new work. What is your relationship to creating, and how do you avoid artist’s block?
DWIGHT: Avoiding artist’s block is the easiest thing to do some days because everything you do is art. Even if I don’t create today, I can reference this moment a week from now, and it may help me create. My fiancé said it best, “If you can’t get into what you’re trying to do for your craft, try something else.” Maybe read a book. Maybe write a poem. Go ride a bike. All of these things will help you create. When I’m having trouble with my specific practice, I just have to pour myself into something else and see what happens.
SMITH: Toni Cade Bambara says, “The role of an artist is to make revolution irresistible.” What is the revolution that you are championing with your art?
DWIGHT: My revolution is one that I hope that a lot of people can relate to. I want to represent those who have felt forgotten. I want them to see that they are beautiful and loved. I love them. I hope that you see a reflection of self-love when you look at my work. I want people to see it and say, “Wow, I feel seen in this moment in ways that I have not before, in this way.”
SMITH: How has Richmond, and the community here, inspired your practice?
DWIGHT: The community here has really inspired my practice. You can walk down any street in Richmond and you’re going to see yourself immersed in art. Whether it’s a mural on the side of a building or some flowers someone planted. You just never know where you’re going to encounter inspiration. And the people here, in their own sense, are characters. Yes, we’re human but it’s almost like an experience you can only get here. There’s nothing like the Richmond community. We’re just our own kind of people.
SMITH: For someone who hopes to build a life around art, what advice would you give to them?
DWIGHT: I would tell them to be open to critique and be teachable. Don’t compare yourself to other artists, what you’re doing is enough. Don’t let the internet fool you into falling into the trap that you have to post art every day. Just let it flow. What’s for you is already for you.
Lightning round
SMITH: Favorite color to paint with?
DWIGHT: Hot pink.
SMITH: Go-to setting to paint in?
DWIGHT: My room.
JUSTICE: Create in silence or with noise?
DWIGHT: Definitely TV. Reality TV that I’ve already seen.
SMITH: Artistic inspirations?
DWIGHT: Jowarnise, Austin Miles, Ron Stokes, Hamilton Glass. These are artists that I love and see on a regular basis. They inspire me all the time.
SMITH: Freestyle or planned?
DWIGHT: It’s a mix of both. I’m a Gemini. It can all change, even if it’s planned.
SMITH: One thing that’s taken your art to the next level.
DWIGHT: Refinement. I can find growth within each piece and use that as a catalyst for my future pieces.
SMITH: Details or big picture?
DWIGHT: Details. Because if they’re missing, I notice it.
SMITH: What’s your favorite time to create?
DWIGHT: Midnight.
SMITH: One bucket list goal for your art?
DWIGHT: I really want to get back into my fashion roots. Either collaborate with a brand, or maybe make my own brand. I really want to incorporate the world of fashion into my practice.
You can keep up with Justice Dwight’s latest works on social media @justicedwight.
