GODLIKE

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your creative practice?

I am very much a black queer person who likes to explore spirituality, symbolism, and education. I am currently doing MA research in art and design while also teaching BTEC art and design in Leeds. My creative practice is an exploration of my experiences with blackness, queerness, and spirituality through a multi-disciplinary approach. Music, colour, and texture tend to be the primary tools I use to engage with storytelling and to connect with my audience.

What was the inspiration for these pieces?

My piece “Bearing Witness” is inspired by my upbringing as one of Jehovah’s witnesses. During this time, I was often told how to be “holy” or “perfect,” yet I often felt that what we were being taught was to discriminate, demonise, and oppress, which felt in opposition to being “godlike.” This painting speaks to the point, highlighting the “evil” and “death” within these teachings and how, over time, they can errode the soul.

What are you working on at the moment?

At the moment my work is focused on how art can be a therapeutic tool for building a sense of self, a sense of community, and honouring those who came before us.

What are your goals with creativity?

My main goal with creativity is to develop a better understanding of myself. Every time I make work, I am pulling from my own experiences, and the work I create helps me express the complex nature of those experiences.

What motivates you to create and has that ever changed?

My creative motivation lies in the desire for liberation. Art and creativity are an opportunity to express yourself however you see fit, and that act of expression can be (and often is) an act of resistance against dominant forces that prefer compliance over authentic expression.

How does your queer identity influence your work?

I understand queerness to be something that is without limits and is constantly evolving. This plays a role in my work as I work to allow my art to be constantly flowing and changing—never the same twice.

How would you define success as an artist?

As an artist, success is defined when you make something you are proud of. I believe creating art is extremely personal, and the only person who can consider your work successful is yourself.

Which project of yours are you most proud of?

I think I’m the most proud of the work I did as a kid. Entering the art world can be very difficult, and lots of people have different opinions on what is good art. I’m proud of myself for not getting discouraged by other people’s opinions.

What is the best advice you’ve been given as an artist?

My university lecturer once told me that “the form should fit the function.” What I learned from this was that whatever art form you choose to create should be informed and supported by the goal or purpose of the work.

What advice would you give to other creative people?

Think less. Do more.

Interview Leon Thompson Art Nyakeh David