What does art mean to me now?
Among my earliest memories are my first years in school. I remember that in kindergarten, we were not allowed to check out books from the school library. This was not much of a disappointment, because we didn’t know what it meant to check out a book, or even what a library was, at that time.
But when we finally “grew up” and graduated into the first grade, we were presented with the great privilege of visiting the library, and checking out one book each. My first library checkout! As I was always interested in sex, I found great curiosity in the art instruction books. And since the art books were the only ones that had illustrations of nude women, an art book was what I checked out.
The novelty of sneaking into my room to brood over pictures of naked art models soon subsided. I did my homework, and started following some of the instructions to draw a picture of a little boy’s face. In my recollection of so long ago, I think the boy kind of resembled Alfred E. Newman of the old MAD Magazine. I took my time and drew it exactly as the instructions in the book illustrated.
By this time, my parents were both home, and a few of my uncles and aunts had come by for dinner and a “high ball” or two. I could hear the laughter from the kitchen as I felt drawn into the creative process, proud of what I was seeing being created by my own hand. I had to show this to someone.
I went into the kitchen to show my mother what I had drawn. My mother was pleased. However, it wasn’t her reaction, but the much more intense reaction I received from my uncles and aunts who were sitting at the kitchen table that blew my mind. They were sincerely impressed at my talent. My eyes teared up, and an artist was born!
From then on, I dove into art. Drawing my own comic books and swapping them with friends who did the same. Excelling in poster contests, winning trophies. When I attended Catholic school, they didn’t have art class, because the slot was used for religion class. But my talents were still appreciated creating felt montage banners for the church.
Highlight
My art has changed and morphed throughout the years, as I have added artistic mediums to my reportoire. But it always maintains the same snarl.
“I am very passionate about my art, and about the creative process. Some might say I am obsessed. ” — Devin Lockett
My final year in high school found me in a public vocational high school, where I was simultaneously enrolled in the fine art and commercial art programs. I had dreams of attending art school in New York, but I’m glad I chose a military career.
This didn’t stop my passion for art. While stationed in San Antonio, Texas, I attended the McNay Art Institute. When I was stationed near Madrid, Spain, I attended Bellas Artes del San Fernando. The same school that was attended by Pablo Picasso. The same school where his father taught.
After my honorable discharge, I studied in the Fine Art program at the Otis Institute of Parson’s School of Design (now just the Otis Institute). I also joined the artist’s collective “LA Art” and exhibited and sold my work under the guidance of artist Mickey Kaplan.
I founded the nonprofit organization called Mélange – The Institute of Multicultural Development and Empowerment Through the Arts. We conducted and produced visual and performance art projects throughout Los Angeles. I opened an art gallery in a 6,400 square foot space in downtown, Los Angeles.
Every artist eventually ends up with a camera, and I am no exception. I picked up 35mm film photography while I was in tech school for biomedical equipment maintenance, and kept taking pictures throughout my tour in Spain. Eventually we evolved beyond film and into digital single-lens reflex cameras. It was also at this time I decided I wanted my pictures to move.
I had been acting since I first arrived in Los Angeles, and like most actors, I aspired to become a director. Also like most actors, I ended up in film school at Los Angeles City College. Much of what I had learned studying art at Bellas Artes and Otis was applicable in film. My artistic integration had begun.
I came to realize that I will always be an artist, thanks to my Uncle Byron. And the medium through which I choose to express my talents will always pop, when I make it do what it do.
Art is a part of everything I do
I am very passionate about my art, and about the creative process. Some might say I am obsessed. No matter if I am drawing, painting, sculpting, creating or editing film, coding websites, blowing glass, or mixing music, when I get started in the creative process it is hard to convince me to shift my focus.
This is why at the present time my focus is on business development, and supporting the BiomedRx family and my other businesses. This of course requires me to utilize my creative talents for marketing purposes. Art is always a part of everything I do.
