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

Devin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

During my teenage years, coming to terms with my queerness was difficult, leading to bullying and isolation. Things began to shift once I gained success in track and field. I noticed that despite being openly gay, my athletic achievements helped challenge stereotypes around masculinity and shifted how people perceived me. Those experiences led to meaningful conversations and friendships with straight men, who became more open to understanding my perspective. That chapter helped me understand the ability we all have to shift peoples perspectives and make a difference simply by being ourself. Today, I carry that belief into my art, using it as a platform to create conversation on various topics like mental health and masculinity.

Knowing that art is often created to be misunderstood, I allow space for my work to be internalized in various ways and my hope is that it resonates with others.

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 am a self-taught figurative portrait artist and live painter based in Los Angeles, California. After an eleven-year career in track and field, an injury forced me to retire, leading me to art as a means of emotional recovery. Since 2016, I’ve dedicated myself to creating artwork that highlights the divine essence of Black people, emphasizing the depth of their emotional and spiritual wisdom—elements often overlooked in mainstream media.

Through my work, I strive to portray my subjects as powerful, complex, and introspective individuals, hoping to inspire viewers to embrace these qualities within themselves. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with brands such as Adobe, BET, Pattern Beauty, and YouTube, among others.

By painting exclusively in black and white, my art explores a broader spectrum of human expression, earning recognition for its ability to give voice to those who often feel unseen. Beyond my personal body of work, I also take on commissioned projects, bringing others’ ideas and perspectives to life through my signature monochromatic style.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Devinwesleyart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DevinWesleyy/