kris graves.

I think what impressed me the most about this project, and just Kris Graves as an artist is his ability to make his work simple. I spoke with him a little bit during our class tour (Thanks Monique + Nyasa!!) and the point that stuck the most that this isn't his day job. He does his work to capture the story, to capture the moment and memory of his loved ones and friends. He told me when artists make art just to sell it, the beauty of it and magic of it becomes complicated. One of the main reasons why I hesitate to share my work or even call myself anything close to an artist is because I'm afraid of getting caught up in the label and brand of it. I appreciated how he didn't do that and clearly showed that he creates his work from a basic standpoint, that it is something he loves to do. However, he is still able to profit off of his talent and brand because people see the passion and beauty in it. What's even more important, is that it leaves a greater impact. It seemed like he didn't really want to go into the weight and impact his work leaves. The project he's doing with Vanity Fair is heavy and its gonna make a lot of people reconsider how they think about this world and people in it. Even with the Testament Project we get that. Going between the painting of the old white lady (i'm so sorry for not remembering her name) and the photograph of jessica was so powerful, visually, spiritually, historically, and more.