We were lucky to catch up with Charlie Smith Jr recently and have shared our conversation below.

Charlie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned my craft by constantly drawing as a child, eventually receiving formal instruction at the Rhode Island School of Design. The arts have always been a source of meditation for me, so I consider the length of training a crucial spect of personal growth. Performing pottery was instrumental in honing my understanding of pure design, by hand molding the clay with water, tools, and fire to create something beautiful. I think with any profession rejection can be stifling to progression, but that’s when a strong sense of self worth really helps me reach higher goals.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

An interesting fact about me is as youth, I cherished long walks through the bustling neighborhoods of Queens, New York. I’d travel past the shops with people of multiple nationalities selling clothes, jewelry, and prepared foods to the locals. My work with Charlie’s Veggie Doddles a self published children’s book series authored by spouse Dr. Jacqueline B. Smith. Is a reflection of those experiences observing a need for quality fresh fruits and vegetables within inner cities. Especially in the early development of children who rely on public schools for food security. I believe that every child should have access to healthy food options, so that they can learn without distractions and accomplish dreams. I’m inspired by the amazing feedback from parents and grandparents, about how their kids are empowered to request non-processed meals after reading my books.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Most people don’t realize the impact that first ladies have played in supporting the arts and humanities in our society. One key example is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who saved Grand Central Terminal and St. Bartholomew’s Church from destruction in New York City. The developers at the time thought that these older structures were impeding the architectural progress of high occupancy skyscrapers. However First Lady Onassis knew that these buildings represented an important art form and cultural identity that could be lost forever. In general society could work more diligently to integrate the arts into the daily lives of its citizens, like supporting new children books for school age students.
Handheld technology much like skyscrapers are be the future, but if we eliminate creative ecosystems what will be the our next legacy.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most remarkable aspect of being an artist is the ability to change people’s lives for the better. Especially when those individuals are children, following in my mother a retired special education teacher for the board of education in New York City. I hope to one have a copy of Charlie’s Veggie Doodles available in every school and library nationally.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.charlieveggiedoodles.com
• Instagram: @charliesveggiedoodles
• Youtube: @cvdoodles

Image Credits
First Pentecostal Holiness Church of Mount Olive Freshfit Cafe, Nags Head Portrait: Cameron, NC