The first artist interview I watched featured Judith Scott. Scott is a deaf artist with Down syndrome who began creating art at age 43 after being introduced to Creative Growth Art Center in 1987. Creative Growth Art Center is a nonprofit organization designed to support artists with disabilities. In the video, Scott captures the humanistic inclination to art, displaying that it should be accessible to all people. The video explained that Scott had been institutionalized for most of her life, isolating from her family and preventing her from developing language. Thus, her engagement with art became her way to communicate.
Another artist interview I watched highlighted Kevin Beasley and his work. The video discussed how the artist created sculptures and installations using found materials like clothing and sports equipment. I found it interesting how these materials were deliberately chosen to display themes of power and race within America. For example, he speaks about how the material of raw cotton is significant to him because of the actual context for said material. I also liked how the artist incorporated audio devices, connecting sound to his installations and making them a more interactive, immersive experience.
Finally, I watched KING COBRA’s (documented as Doreen Lynette Garner) videos. In “Doreen Garner on Her Own Terms,” she notes how since COVID, she has changed her material tone within her artmaking a lot. She discusses her newfound awareness of how Black people are beginning to view Black bodies in public spaces, especially in terms of violent insinuations. She now works with more white flesh, and associates it with “disease and toxicity.” I found this point interesting as it contrasts stereotypical portrayals of white beauty. For instance, white skin is likened to the word “fair,” both literally meaning light in tone, but also connoting a positive, innocent demeanor.