We were lucky to catch up with Darien Henson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Darien, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents have consistently demonstrated exceptional parenting qualities throughout my upbringing. From imparting upon me the essential importance of cultivating a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to unwaveringly standing as a pillar of support, their endeavors have profoundly impacted my life.

The values instilled in me by my parents from a young age continue to influence my decision-making in the professional world. Values such as taking responsibility for one’s actions and being honest and transparent are essential in any business environment.

I can vividly remember many Sundays where my parents would wake me up for church service despite my desire to stay in bed. This one simple but powerful act, done consistently, paints a picture of parents that were dedicated to the spiritual well-being of their children. Their steadfastness has helped cement a longing to strengthen my own personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I would like to make it clear that photography has not always been a part of my life. I did not grow up learning about it and I did not go to a creative arts school to further my education in it. I did not always appreciate the process of taking a photograph whether digital or film. I did not always value the creative moments found in between the beginning of an idea and the result. And I did not always have this passion and burning desire to learn as much as I could and experiment with innovative ideas in this creative realm.

For a long time, I considered myself passionless with no real desire to pursue anything. However, it was during these times that I learned to lean heavily on my faith. I spent many nights on my knees praying as if my life depended on it. I was scared. I was lost. I was in the dark. Through a series of events that I can only describe as the hand of God, photography was introduced to me and saved my life. Because of this unique encounter with God and art, my work is influenced by my faith which enables me to create free from expectations, whether self-imposed or brought on by others. As well as free from restrictive thinking that might otherwise cause me to create from just one perspective.

I believe this approach that I have sets my work apart because just like this God given gift is mine, your God given gift is yours. Unique to you and no one else. As I grow spiritually, the artist in me will also grow. I am a firm believer that it is impossible to see growth and maturity in your art without also seeing it in yourself too.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The driving force behind my creative journey is the same force that started me on it. The relationship I have with art through God is one that is tightly connected. I like to think of it like a conversation that’s had between myself and God whenever I’m asked to provide my services to others or whenever I go out to work on personal projects. This conversation is one of appreciation and gratitude because it wasn’t always like this, as I’ve stated before.

For example, this very interview is a by-product of me walking in my gift. The gift that HE gave me. This journey I’m on has never been about me. Any attention, accolades, or success I’ve had throughout my walk has been a blessing by way of the gift. So, the goal is always to give God the praise whenever given the opportunity to create work for myself or for others. That simple.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The freedom. The freedom to artistically communicate my ideas in ways that I have not before whether that is through photography or another medium. The freedom from fear of failure. The freedom to expand my artistic reach outside of my current comfort zones. I think, for me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom you have and gain over time. Whether you are a writer, painter, producer, sculptor etc. It does not matter. As someone who can create things you have the ability and freedom to do it however you feel. That is something no one can take from you. That freedom belongs to you. It is your superpower!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.darienjamarhenson.com
• Instagram: @d_j_henson

Image Credits
My brother, Tyler Henson, is photographed in two of the eight photos.