Demarcus McGaughey, Brooklyn NY
Sum up your creative process in one word/phrase, and explain why.
Vibrant… I chose the word Vibrant because my art kind of hits you in the face with colors.. I love Bright Vivid, Bold Colors. I love for the viewer to explore my paintings and see hidden colors in my art. Colors evoke emotions and feelings. Your emotions let’s you know that you are ALIVE!
Were you always an artist, even as a child? What was your path to becoming an artist?
I was always a artist as a child. I believe the creativity called me. My mother was a teacher and she was always crafty.. I remember having a coloring book and I couldn’t color right.. I would color outside the lines and she sat me down and said “look this is how you color, you trace the line and then you fill it in”.. That lesson has stayed with me even as an adult. I guess you can say I always paint or color inside the lines. My art is very neat and detailed..
What is your medium of choice and what drew you to this particular medium?
I love acrylics and mixed media collage.. I love bright vivid colors and mixed media collage.. The collage comes from my Advertising Art Background. Before moving into computer graphics I was taught old school with Copying and Pasting..
Is there any particular experience, person, place or thing that inspires you to create? Tell us about that.
After receiving my Bachelors of Arts I decided to go into Graphic Design with a Ad Agency. I decided to leave behind my Fine Art Roots.. I thought the process was too slow and I could better support myself in the graphics business.. My college Best Friend Tauqfeeq Muhammad was my inspiration. He served as my accountability partner in the arts. He passed away 3 years ago and after his passing I felt like he passed me the baton to start painting again. I once went to a party and a Medium walked up to me to tell me I had a spirit guiding me that is around the same age as me. I feel that he is my angel guiding me on all my artistic opportunities…
What is it like showing your work to people and what do you hope people take away from it?
Each time I exhibit I feel a bit of anxiety, however it’s a awesome feeling. I get to meet new people, I get to find homes for my paintings. My art has taken me all over the world. The take away I want for people to have with my art is feel empowered and beautiful. For each person to see themselves or someone they know and to activate their spiritual gifts.
What advice do you have for other artists who may be looking to get their work exhibited?
It’s my experience that talent gets you so far. You get to be a business person as well.. Be urgent with everything, show up on time. People respect a artist that shows up on time it shows you care about the other person’s time as well. Believe in yourself and believe in your art, there is only one person that can do what you do. Take the risks and get out your comfort zone!
