We were lucky to catch up with Dwight Myers recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dwight, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

For the longest time I was always inspired by those with artistic abilities. Some of my friends were artists or musicians. I always had a desire to draw, paint or take photos. It first hit me in college. I was in my senior year and was able to take an elective not in my chosen major. I decided to take “2 Dimensional Art” class. I was the only non art major to get an A in the course. At one point the professor told me I should major in art…I was to graduate with my Social Work/Psychology degree that spring. I remember his words today. After graduate school I did take a couple of art classes at a local art school. More for fun and learning than anything else.

Eventually, I became focused on photography. After friends and family complimented me on my photos I decided to explore this media more. I was obsessed with black and white photography and infrared. Focusing more on landscapes and “cloudscapes”. This kept me focused over the years, had two shows displaying my photographs, but something seemed to be missing.

A good friend introduced me to Youtube and all the artists that show tutorials of many different styles of painting. I was wanting to add “color” into my life and started watching videos on acrylic pouring. Surprisingly enough, it was addicting and fun. I tried every technique that was out there, not able to master the technique as I was hoping. Then, I came across an artist who had a technique that no one was really doing. I was obsessed with wanting to learn this process. Over the years I kept working at it and “perfecting” this form of fluid art to create abstract paintings with movement and composition that evokes interest and curiosity to those who have seen my work.

When I had moved to Baltimore, I wanted to reach out and start making connections to galleries or co-ops that support local artists. I was referred to the Highlandtown Gallery and I showed my paintings and was offered a solo show on the spot. From there I’ve been in several shows in this community and continue to show.

Dwight, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m often asked what my inspiration is when I create art. Sometimes its how I use color to create a certain mood. However, most of the time its the process that I use. I am constantly excited and amazed at how my paintings will turn out.

Fluid art is vast area that folks continue to explore. I focus on one technique and continue to perfect it. Its affectionally called the “dump and swirl”. In this process paints are mixed with pouring medium to thin them down to flow across the canvas. What I do is mix color(s) and pour them on top of each other in a puddle. Then use black paint and pour it over the puddle, cover the canvas with the black paint and due to chemistry of the paints, pouring medium and the movement, the color from the puddle emerges through the black paint creating an interesting pattern of color and composition.

Fluid art isn’t an exact science. My goal from the beginning was to create art that I would hang on my wall. My other goal was to create a process of pouring that I have some control over. The process of mixing my paints and how I use them on the canvas is where I have the control. However, how the outcome of how the color decides to show up is not exactly in my control. I often say that I “pour with a purpose”. It continues to be an exciting process.

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

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist, for me, is meeting the public, community and collectors. I enjoy interacting and talking about my art. A lot of people are curious and think its hand painted and being able to explain my process or show video clips of how a painting is made is rewarding to me.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson that I continue to remind myself of is that I need not be so critical of my own work. Collectors see my art differently than I see it. Often what I think wont sell has sold! I have learned to step away and look at what was created with a less critical eye. An artist friend told me not to “throw out” a painting as every painting has a collector. This continues to stick with me and reminds me to be kind to myself and enjoy the process and the journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @DwightPours
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC47zuej0NUTphqVoqCDhfRA?view_as=subscriber