Many have walked unconventional paths, made bold decisions, and exhibited incredible resilience. They've not only broken barriers but also redefined what's possible. In this episode, Kathryn is joined by Roger Carter, an award-winning visual artist who captures the context of modern culture and the persona of the African-American journey to the representation of iconic images in everyday citizens.
“Good art, whatever that may mean, elicits discussion. Maybe it gets people to think differently. Maybe it gets them to ask questions and explore.”
We tend to see our public heroes as flat, ignoring all of the dimensions that make them more than their public personas. Roger’s art challenges the viewer to see other dimensions in these icons and to think about them differently.
“In art classes…the teacher [said], you have to do something this way and do it that way. And I didn't think that was art.”
Some people believe that art is coloring inside the lines, that it’s rigid, rule-bound, and fixed. But for Roger, art meant something more authentic, where he could do his own thing. When you are your most authentic self, it permits other people also to be authentically themselves. In embracing your own authenticity, you’re also giving others a space to find their own sense of self.
“I'm still this type of artist: If I don't have something in front of me, I'll just make it.”
When Roger grew up in Chicago, he and his friends couldn’t afford Air Jordans or Nikes. Instead, they would get sneakers from the thrift shop and he would paint a Nike logo on them. He was determined to find a way to stand out while working with what he had, and his art today continues that trend by using whatever materials he can find in the recycling and letting the art come from what’s on hand.
Guest
Roger Carter: https://www.rogerjcarter.art
Defying Convention w/Roger Carter