Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Quincey Laroux. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Quincey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Oh, this is a very good and relevant question for the times we are living in. Although I sometimes doubt my ability to convey all the emotions related to this question, or that anyone would actually care about what I have to say. However, I am fairly certain most can empathize with someone who struggles with the overwhelming pressure of finding purpose within a society that hammers into your very being that you are worthless if you cannot contribute. Struggling to stay in a field where we are happiest verses putting food on the table.

You are not alone.

I see you in the hunched way a once proud man shuffles in line to the overworked food pantry staff. I hear you in the defeat in your voice when you tell your confused child that you cannot afford that food item or cannot even afford a quick bite at a fast food chain. I’m right there with you.

I constantly struggle with just ‘sucking it up’ and just allow myself to be chained to a grimy desk, devoid of any personality or break my body in building a multimillionaire’s stadium. And when I do have the opportunity to devote my complete time and energy to do the thing I was made for—I feel intense guilt and shame. With people seemingly perferring ai generated images, why should I stay home and continue to scrape by with shaking inkstained fingers? In a perfect world, I would live in a society where I don’t have to fight to be seen or defend my work against AI machinery. I would have a patron (or several), and I could foster a few apprentices, get them the connections they need, and then shoo them from the nest when they’re ready.

So, to answer the question. Yes. I am happiest as a creative. Would I want to stay in a regular job? Also, yes. I don’t have a choice anymore. If I did, I’d work part time, on my own terms with the main focus was to help folks in my community. Like a 911 dispatcher or something. Otherwise, I will do the barest minimum to get that paycheck and continue to fund what really matters. Amplifying my and my community’s voice with my art.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Well, I have always been drawing and painting on myself, others, and canvases. Art has gotten me through the most horrid of times, saved me from abuse and helped heal my mind. I’ve always been interested in displaying my work and was able to get that opportunity through the Hart Gallery of Tennessee. I had walked by and entered the establishment for a few years, them offering to enter me as an artist and I would always dip and dodge. I feel like I was a feral kitty they had to lure in. I’m so glad they did. Once I felt safe, I took that scary leap and signed up. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Finally, I found my people. I discovered through Courtney Chandler that I was really good at making miniatures out of polymer clay. Through Brooke Montague, I discovered a fondness for oil painting. I view them both as my mentors, and me, a desendant of their artistic wisdom.

I now provide miniature sculptures, nature-inspired jewelry, oil paintings of landscapes and beaches, and digital illustrations of characters.

I really enjoy bringing a landscape or character to life and seeing a client’s eyes light up as they see their commission breathe for the first time. And I believe that’s where my strength lies, in being able to translate the client’s vision into something tangible they can feel.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

STOP BUYING AI-GENERATED IMAGES.

That should be a no-brainer, but you never know. I have so much that can be said on this yet I know its already been said. There are already artists who sell their fully rendered work for PENNIES. There’s absolutely no reason to keep stealing from us. And yes, its theft. Stealing food from our tables. Stealing respect. Trashing budding newbies that have a whole lot of heart and potential. Last of all, you are stealing from yourself and the next generations.

Secondly, go to the local art markets! Window shop, talk to us! Grab business cards, even if you use them for bookmarks. It’s the little things.

The third thing that would help. If you’re wealthy, become an artist’s patron. Commission work to dis your rival. Do it for the bragging rights that you have an artist on retainer. You have a responsibility to society to sponsor the arts and the creatives. It’s one of the bare minimums.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Mmm, this is a good one because I’ve never really thought about it.

Survival.

The thing driving my journey right now is survival. Surviving loudly. Brightly. Despite all that has come against me and mine, I still burn and am on fire, baby. When art leaves society. When creativity has been drained from public spaces, that is when you know what a living death is like. I burn for me. And I burn for those still hanging on.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/q_the_silence
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnTheWhim
• Other: https://hartgallery.org/search?q=&q=Quincey+A+Laroux

Image Credits

Quincey Laroux