We were lucky to catch up with Dwight White II recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dwight, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
When I started calling myself an artist as my primary profession and identity. Even while I was still working a full-time corporate role in 2018, by that point art was already a career in my mind. I was committing nearly equal time to both careers and it was a priority to me.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a Chicago and LA-based visual artist who straddles the line between fine art, sociology and experiential design. I was raised in Houston TX and made in Chicago, IL. I discovered the intersection of consumer insights, sport and artistic experiences while attending Northwestern University as a student-athlete. Nuanced Black Human behavior and personal experiences are prevalent subjects throughout my work. Art offered me the opportunity to express myself and communicate things visually. I think even in sport, I was a visual learner when it came to learning and dissecting plays so that practice and passion for learning carried over in my art career. Injury is something most athletes unfortunately experience at some point in their careers. One of mine ended my career and art was the first thing I fell in love with after the game. I found passion and purpose again through creating and showcasing original works as well as finding new community in the world of art. Since becoming a full-time artist, I’ve done small scale original artwork, large scale murals, designed merchandise and done art activations for a plethora of companies including Levi’s LinkedIn, Lululemon, Tank Garage Winery, McDonalds, Starbucks, Nike and more. As an artist, I believe it is part of my role to document history. Simply by doing that, the art can be a mark of time and can ultimately start conversations as it lives. I also believe many of the causes I am dedicated to require involvement and/or funding so I make it a point to take on several projects each year that contribute to organizations and projects I believe can inspire change and impact future generations. I welcome new clients for this year and I’m looking forward to showcasing new original pieces. For those interested in connecting, please reach out to contact@dwhiteart.com.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Seeing my work end up in places that I’ve always dreamed of. For instance, my absolute favorite and most meaningful project was Art Basel Miami (2019). I remember visiting Miami in 2017/2018 and telling myself that one day I would exhibit works there and all my friends and family would experience my love for art and community. The following year, I did just that. I entered into one of the largest shows in Wynwood, partnered with Levi’s as a featured creator and hosted my first solo show of my art career.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Throughout my career, I have felt constant pressure – driven by my personal expectations of self and what I may assume others expect of me. For whatever reason, pressure has always been a valuable addition to my ability to create great things and I feel honored that my community sees high potential in my craft and abilities. That alone drives me even when I have self doubt.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dwhiteart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwhite.originals/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwightwhite/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_dwightwhite?lang=en