We were lucky to catch up with Dawud Shabazz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dawud, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

Being acknowledged of my art and given an opportunity to display my art in an established museum within a month of notice of me really existence. I was a supervisor in maintenance in the Charles H. Wright Museum in the late 90’s. On my break I would create art from the influence of working around different styles of art creations and I accumulated some in my office. One day the president of the museum at that time venture down the lower level and passed my office as the door was open. She noticed my art and was amazed at first sight. She asked were they mine.I told her yes. He remarks were that she never knew an was among the maintenance staff. She told me plans were in to give an exhibit within a month from now and I will personally make sure your art is exhibiting amongst the other art. The rest is historical.

Dawud, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a born and raised abstract artist in Detroit. I grew up around a lot of creative environments and people who kept me in using our hands to create. Around the age of 7 years old I sketched a portrait of my mother. I knew I wanted to be an artist. I am a self taught artist who enjoys working with multiple mediums to be creative. I enjoy creating art that gives the viewer serenity and sometimes encourage an inspiring message. Being diagnosed in the early 90’s of depression and anxiety, I feel I have a purpose to share art to uplift and spark moments of joy and life that is already in each and one of us. We have to notice it past the distraction that may go on around a person or broken pieces in a journey.
My passion of my art keeps me busy in many exhibitions and vendor events. I am always sharing ideas of art with anyone who listen and have creativity within them.
The energy is wonderful to experience. Tap into yourself and see that you are an Artist too.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

When I sold my art to a collector visiting from Europe. I was invited to exhibit my art at a new gallery with other amazing artists. Just so happens a gentleman visiting the singer at the reception show caught a glimpse of my painting and approached the curator about it and purchased it immediately. He asked to meet me ,I introduced myself and and in our conversation he mentioned that my art will be in his home in Europe. I was amazed. Now I can say I am an International Artist.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I am also a master fish cutter. Working days and weeks, I constantly thought of art techniques and styles as I cut. Receiving invitations to art exhibitions and vendor shows, I decided to invest from my work savings and also searching for artist grants, and chance I won. So I sacrificed and began taking days off from my regular weeks schedule and attended shows. I sold at different shows .I then sacrificed and told my boss I have to pursue my passion. He understood and asked because of my skills and experience working his business he said can I come on days if I am free. Now I am a freelance master cutter also. Ha Ha. Thank God for His Blessings

Contact Info:

• Website: Dawudshabazzart.com
• Instagram: @dawudshabazzart
• Facebook: @Dawudshabazz
• Other: Google- Dawud Shabazz Art LLC

Image Credits
Touch The Sky and Dimensions Within and Hugs