Self-Taught Artist Roger Brackins Captures the Essence and Strength of Blackness
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Posted By: Kennedy Williams on October 21, 2022 Art has been a part of self-taught artist and Cleveland native Roger Brackins' life from a very young age. He attributes his artistic ability and creativity to his mother and brother, both artists. He began to draw around age five after gaining inspiration from his older brother to create. Brackins imitated everything his brother did, from how he dressed to how he talked and even picked up a pencil and pad. "If it weren't for my brother or mother, I wouldn't be the artist that I am," Brackins admits. After checking out some of his pieces, it's clear that Black women are his primary source of inspiration. Each of his portraits explores different combinations of realism and abstract qualities, with a primary focus on capturing the essence and strength of Black women. Brackins uses disappearing features, texture builds, and layering of colors to call attention to the presence, absence, and visibility of Black lives, all in hopes of creating a powerful and profound visual statement. "I believe that my purpose as an artist, and the highlighted energy and variety of application techniques in which I use, align with still very relevant topics in our society today." When asked what inspires him to create, Brackins responded, "My family and life, plain and simple. They're the backbone to me getting up every day and actually trying, ya know? Trying new things. Trying to be a better me. Trying to experience all the great things in which this life has to offer while I'm here. I just want to make them proud. My family gives me purpose. My family gives me the strength to try. My family gives me reason to pursue my passion as an artist." Brackins says his favorite piece he has ever created is Jaded no.1. "This is that piece for me as an artist that had me like, 'Yep You're onto something here.' This piece has transcended me into a creative realm that I never knew that I could exist as an artist. Forever grateful to you, Jaded." Brackins cites artists Kerry James Marshall, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Charly Palmer, and Jordan Casteel as some of his favorites. When it comes to the advice he would offer to aspiring artists/creatives, Brackins says, "Man, keep going. Always remember that things aren't always going to go your way, not only in this art game but in life. People will let you down. You won't get accepted to every exhibition. You won't sell every piece. You will get tired. But that's when your passion kicks in when your body and mind get tired. Your passion kicks into overdrive and picks you up when so many moments in life have let you down. Always remember that no matter what happens throughout your days/nights here on earth, art will always be there for you. Waiting with open arms. Embrace it." Be sure to follow Roger Brackins on Instagram and other social media platforms @NVTIVECHILD! Art pieces, prints, t-shirts, and other merchandise can be purchased through his website, https://roger-brackins.pixels.com/ If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Kennedy Williams
From Loganville, GA Spelman College class of 2020 Member Since July 2016 |
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