We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful DeVante Capers. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with DeVante below.
DeVante, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Art has been part of my life since going from elementary school to high school. I started getting into the arts back in early 2012 when I became interest in dance and starting taking hip hop classes at Joy of Motion Dance Center in D.C. which led me join a dance crew, Kaution a year later and few years later in 2015, I went on a solo journey in all styles/freestyle dance with Studio G and had practice sessions on Friday nights, and I found a new home and new family.
By 2014, when started going back to school at Prince George’s community college, it was a whole new world of learning and discovery. And yet, I was trying to figure what major I wanted to study, and visual arts communication was the best fit for me because I love to create, know how to draw, paint, write, etc. and learning new styles of art can help grow and prepare for a creative career after.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a creative artist diagnosed with high functioning autism that like to create and merge different art styles into original one of a kind works. I used many products to produce my art involving paintbrushes, pencils, Canon digital camera, canvas, Adobe software, etc.
What sets me apart from others is that I see the world in a black, white, colored world. And I challenge myself to break barriers day by day and seize the opportunity in mastering the craft and gaining the knowledge in making things my way. I’m always happy of my hard work and love everything I do.
Art has also help me through my mental health and it’s the number one outlet to communication with people. It even help me get pass the global pandemic and keep me busy during those lockdown months. You can say that art saved my life.
And the mission for me is to inspire other artists with disabilities and show the world my own perspective of life on medium at a time.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an creative is showcasing my work and interact with people, discussing what’s the inspiring beyond the piece and hope that it connects with people when they see it.
I have had some of my artwork being published in magazines and recently sold. I’ve manage to create over 1,000 art pieces during the duration of my journey, I started signing up for events to take part in the community and build some relationship with other artists.
My main goal is to have my own art reception and invite friends, family and artists to enter my art world, sell artwork, get recognized and be moved by how much passion and heart from someone with special needs telling their story through visual arts. To do that, I have to create more pieces and get involve in more art activities.
I’m my own boss and I make my own moves.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
For many creatives and non-creatives struggle to understand that as a creative, it’s not that easy for me to express myself and it’s hard to see my artistic vision come to light. Someone like me who enjoy art and goes out in the world, I’m only one person and the art world is a million.
Plus tackling and going for something this major and professional, it’s barely much artists with a disability to have the open door of opportunity in front of them. People might see it as negative, careless way, while others might see it as impactful, powering way.
I take chances, cross lines, break the rules and take risks to become somebody, get my name out there and be the face of change in the visual world. I just wanted to be accepted and know that I’m an artist for change. I don’t create art just for fun, I create art to make a difference.
And still I’m fighting for the dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://devantecapers.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: @devantecapers92 @devantecapersphotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=IzxQFH9Ovjk
- Other: https://www.behance.net/devantecapers/ https://boldjourney.com/meet-devante-capers/