Today we’d like to introduce you to Serron Green

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

I was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey at the height of the Black Power Movement. As graffiti became the newest form of self expression during the eighties, I realized early on that the intersection of these two ideals would be the inspiration for my work.

I am a self-taught artist who began experimenting with graffiti during the eighties and nineties. As time went on, I started to incorporate different mediums such as markers, watercolor and even house paint—with spray paint always remaining a constant. 
Since that time, I’ve broadened the scope of my work to include other materials such as reclaimed wood, rich textiles and many often unconventional items. 

2009 was a pivotal year for me. At the urging of friends, fellow artists and collectors, I began creating artwork for formal exhibitions. I sold pieces in the years prior by word-of-mouth through a broadening circle of collectors who had an increasingly steady demand.

Currently, I live and work in Newark which is a limitless source of inspiration. My travels across Europe, North & South America and the Caribbean have greatly impacted the way I see the world around me. My belief that art truly has the power to invoke change in the world is strengthened by each discovery of a new locale, its traditions and culture.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Time is one of the biggest obstacles that I face; there never seems to be enough time to create. It often feels like I’m unable to keep up with all of the ideas that I want to bring to life. They are written down on scrap paper, in notes on my phone and thumb tacked to the wall in my studio. I always have a desire, or better said, need to make something.

Another challenge that I have is with my content. In the past, I was made to feel as if my subject matter was too strong or too “in your face”. Now, I am grateful for the constantly growing list of collectors that I have. These days, my focus is on keeping my head down, creating and moving forward on my chosen path.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

My work is a reflection of my personal experiences blended with history, countless hours of study and an overall desire to teach and share as much information on topics that I feel are somewhat being lost as time moves on. I try to create dialogue with the images that I put out into the world so that people can take a glimpse into some of the issues that Black Americans deal with on a day to day basis.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?

I tend to find happiness in the completion of things. I really enjoy knowing that I can transform a thought in my mind to a tangible, physical manifestation (or thing). I also get tremendous joy from the reactions of the people that encounter what I do. It is one of the most satisfying feelings that I can have. I find all reactions productive, whether the person experiencing my art agrees with the message or not is secondary. Reactions lead to conversations, giving birth to the possibility of other ideas.  That is where I find true happiness…in the possibilities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://newarkartistsdatabase.org/artist/xplorefreedom/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xplorefreedom?igsh=NXlndWdyeDA2aXFj&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xplorefreedom