We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Devon Sweat a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Devon, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
I’ve found that when I take the time to feed my creative appetite, life is a lot better.
Well, my ability to handle life is a lot better.
Life is always going to have its ups and downs. Some of those ‘downs’ are tougher than others. But similar to exercise, which is also another MUST for me, working out your creativity is crucial. Your mind is a muscle and it must be stimulated and exercised.
When I’m working all of my creative muscles on a regular basis, I see life in a more positive light. I think this is something that EVERY single person alive can, and should, tap into.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Like many people today, especially in Los Angeles, I can be consumed in the rat race. The everyday hustle, living paycheck to paycheck, providing for my kids, trying to get ahead. In one of the most expensive cities in the country, its hard to find any time away from working. The life of a Blue Collar Artist is a tricky one; and its not uncommon.
We often forget to feed ourselves creatively as we go through life. I’ve gone through a long period of time when I ignored my creative appetite; for some good reasons, and some bad. Whatever the reasons are for you, they are valid. However, I believe the practice of feeding your inner artist is necessary for a happy, fulfilled life. It doesn’t always come that easy for certain individuals though.
I strive to bring art back to the hardworking, Blue Collar Artists of the world. So much untapped talent is walking, working struggling right beside us every day. Some people just need a little exposure or a push to embrace the creative journey. I hope to ignite that fire with my own work and spread knowledge/experience with those who need it. I know, from experience, if I was surrounded by the right crowd when I was young or had exposure to these circles of creatives that I’m surrounded by now, my creative trajectory would’ve been a tad bit different today.
An all inclusive and encompassing ‘brand’ is what I’m working on. Not just a t shirt company, not just a photo club, but whatever you need us to be as you navigate your creative endeavors along with functioning effectively in the day-to-day life.
It’s all starting with photography; I am currently working with a North Hollywood art gallery (Omega Gallery) to present my first photographic installation on April 6th. I am then going to host a number of other artists in the space to help bring some great art to the community and give those hardworking, blue collar artists some much deserved exposure. There is some amazing work out there, I want the people to see it.
These ‘In Between Time’ productions will be happening monthly throughout the year, along with many other events, fund raisers and artistic opportunities. You can stay up to date by following @inbetweentimegallery on Instagram.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The first, and possibly most important thing, is a general interest in art or the creative process. This is pretty instrumental for anything that comes after this. Take time to learn yourself, learn what interests you, learn what makes you happy when you do it. Once you find it (or them), put some time into it. Keep doing what truly feeds your mind and spirit.
Another important factor that I had in my life was someone, or in my case a couple people, that I looked up to within my artistic field. My mother and older brother were both great photographers. I learned a lot from both of them, in different respective aspects. Having someone you look up to or that motivates you to keep going in monumental. Also- if there is someone that looks up to YOU as an inspiration, try your best to hand down any knowledge you have to them. You never know just how crucial you are to someone else creative journey. The art community is a collective; sharing is caring when it comes to knowledge and insight.
I think the last thing to remember, or think about as you go through your endeavors, is that we as people are always changing. Living, learning, evolving; it’s all a part of life. You’re not the same person you were 5 years ago and you won’t be the same 5 years from now. Same goes for your vision, inspiration and your art itself. It’s ok to change and evolve, that’s where growth happens.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
“This is not a T-Shirt” by Bobby Hundreds (The Hundreds) is probably my favorite book that I’ve read lately that speaks to the inner creative.
His story of how his brand came to be what it is today, how they stayed true to their beliefs and vision and never strayed away from it is so inspirational.
They didn’t just create a clothing line and sell t shirts. They created a community, listened to the community, gave back, and evolved. All while maintaining the best intentions and putting fighting for their vision.
This mentality and the lessons in this book can be translated to any journey. Whether its clothing, physical art, family, etc.
Also- Bobby is a great photographer and one of my biggest influences. I highly suggest giving it a read!
Contact Info:
- Website: devonsweatphoto.darkroom.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/devonsweat_photo
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/
inbetweentimegallery
Image Credits
Devon Sweat
