We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Calvin Tarzan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Calvin , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

My most meaningful project was my wiz of oz garbage can art. I remember my teenage years I would take magazines from the post office garbage can to use for art. So my garbage can art symbolize those moments for me.

Calvin , 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?

Growing up watching my mom create art was always intriguing. My mom helped my older brother with his art projects from school. I would watch the entire process until sometime I would fall asleep watching. Having an interest in art at a young age gave me a feeling of fulfillment spiritually.

After years of being a sketch artist, I aimed to evolve my artwork. Using oil paint for the first time in 2009 added color depth, and a sense of excitement to my art. Understanding the thickness and textures of paint was a sometime challenging. After years of painting , I setup my first vendor at the Belzoni Catfish Festival 2016. Selling artwork at festival energized my confidence in the world of art.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Well the process is the reward for me. Watching the art come to life gives me joy.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I remember painting a mural in 30 degree weather, my fingers were so numb I constantly dropped the paint brush after losing grip. But I was determined to finish that mural. I got it finished.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: CalvinRaphael40
• Facebook: Colors of Calvin

Image Credits
Photography by Eittabug Productions