Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deja Patterson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Deja, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

When I was 21 years old in my senior year of undergraduate studies, I saw a flyer advertising a museum fellowship at The Louis Armstrong House Museum. I was living in Mississippi at the time! Since the search was spread to HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) I thought I didn’t stand a chance to be chosen for the fellowship. With motivation from my partner at the time, I applied. Surprisingly, I was one of two fellows selected. I was notified I was selected at the end of May 2017 and moved to NYC in September 2017! I didn’t know a single person in New York at the time! I came with 2 suitcases full of sequin dresses and $800. I was only supposed to stay for the duration of the program which was 10 months. But here I am, still here almost 6 years later. Since moving I’ve been immersed in art culture and have learned so much from so many people!

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 showed interest in painting from an early age. It’s funny because as a teenager my mom wouldn’t allow me to have a cellphone nor could I have a TV in my room. While most of peers were on social media in their spare time, I’d use old magazine images for reference photos to learn how to paint.

After high school I earned my Bachelor of Art in Fine Art in Studio Art from Tougaloo College. I then went on to earn my Master of Art in Studio Art in painting in Queens College in 2020.

My work is centered around the fat Black body and Black queer culture. When I moved to NYC I got my first heavy dose of fat phobia! Instead of crying about it, I decided to use my work to uplift people who look like me. I want people to feel joyous and seen! So I purposefully eventuate things like cellulite, stretch marks and back rolls. A lot of us have them and we shouldn’t feel ashamed! Period! It’s discouraging to see how social media portrays fat people. That we are all sad and depressed about our existence! I’m fat and I’m doing well! Living life!

The thing I’m most proud of is that I was able to sustain a career in the arts outside of my personal practice. When I lived in Mississippi I wasn’t aware of the many career paths that could take as an artist. I thought the only way I could succeed was if I because an art teacher or professor. I knew these paths weren’t for me. I would think-how am I going to earn a living as an artist? After finishing grad school in Queens, I got a job as a production assistant for an artist. I worked my way up to Studio Manager. After leaving that position, I’m was lucky enough to join the group administration team at Hank Willis Thomas Studio!

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

I feel impartial to NFTs honestly. It took forever for me to understand the concept and value of them. I joke that perhaps this is how people felt in the 80s when the internet was first invented! I think that people are afraid of digital art and AI. It’s the way the world is moving nowadays, and either you get hip with new advancements or get left behind!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Buy our work! Art making can be very expensive! Ha! But I’m a serious note, I understand that acquiring fine art is a privilege and some people don’t have disposable income to buy work! It costs nothing to repost on social media platforms and attend our openings and talks. Support comes in many ways, even words of encouragement are appreciated!           

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @wonderfullyartistic @artofdejapatterson

Image Credits
Haley Varacallo (image of photo head shot only/last image!)