We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Darren Maxwell . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Darren below.

Darren , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on, is my piece “Surrounded by war of yesteryear.” This piece was commissioned for Scott Townsley, and his band, The Shady Groves. This piece features a man, with a shellshocked look on his face. The man is surrounded by the war that he remembers, and the memories which coincide with it. Looking down at his drink, he tries to push down the painful memories of war. This piece had a lot of emotion behind it, and I believe it could really speak too many people, especially to Veterans. So far, this is the most emotional piece that I’ve ever created.

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.

I’ve always considered myself an artist. I’ve always thought out to express myself through creative means, and to produce works which resonate with not only my heart, but the hearts of others. I seek to create pieces that create an atmosphere, that evoke emotion. My illustrations all have a signature and definitive style to them, easy to spot from miles away. Common with most artists, my creative process is constantly evolving. Anytime I find a more effective way to convey the message of my art, I will always apply it. So far, I don’t have much of a fan base. My art is fairly underground, and someday I seek to change that. I wish to speak to those who share the same emotions that I do, the same connections to their creative works, and the passions which drive all of humanity forward. If you aren’t doing it with passion, why do it at all? It’s all about what speaks to you. It’s all about what makes you wish to continue. It’s all about what creates unity between mind, body, and spirit. Between everyone.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe that every artist should have a good set of connections, and a good ring of people. The important thing with art is exposure, many artists are very under exposed. My solution to such a thing would be to have more art collectives. Although sometimes they may be viewed as impractical, they do have a good message, and they do have a good functionality in the grand scheme of things.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My main mission driving me forward at the moment is the various trials and tribulations throughout life. Everyone has their individual triumphs, and their individual tribulations. It is all part of growth. I compare it to a garden. Compost is composed of the decay of former plants, which may have once grown in someone else’s garden. You then take the remains of that plant matter, and apply it to your own garden, and create a thriving garden, that teems with life and spirit.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/maxwell.illustrator?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087181883098&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Darren Maxwell, The Shady Groves, Melrose XX