We recently connected with Kendrick Moore and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kendrick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

The story of my first dollar earned through creativity begins way before the actual transaction. It really begins with a challenge. My mother recognized my interest in art and my dedication to bettering my craft. She advocated that my skills should be nurtured at Colonial Middle school and then Overton High School. Their Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) programs provided me with tools and techniques that could be applied in several ways. They also enlisted students in art competitions and after participating for years, I finally won. It took place at the Memphis Airport Competition in 2016, I didn’t place 1st in the competition but the confidence I won was much greater than that. My submission was purchased through the competition and it felt like a door had opened right in front of me. At a time where I was contemplating what to do with my life, I’m presented with an opportunity to follow my creative voice and It leads to my first art sale. This day forced me to consider clinging to creativity as I live my life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Memphis creative that developed my craft through notable schools like Colonial Middle School, Overton High School and Savannah College of Art and Design. I use my creative skills in a number of ways such as designing architecture, footwear, sculptures, and two dimensional compositions. As a creative I find beauty in the process of transforming a thought into a reality.

My passion for creative solutions and innovation is what led me to this industry. I promised myself to use my gifts to build a long lasting career that uplifts my city and provides other young creatives encouragement to strive for their wildest dreams. Now as a recent NewMemphis Embark alum, it’s my duty to find opportunities to lead. As I blaze my trail, I hope I inspire the next young talent to do the same.

For example, I’m currently working with the Children’s Museum of Memphis as a resident artist with a goal of introducing them to their artistic voices at an earlier age. The activity embodies my style of work and promotes symbolism to children between ages two and eleven through a series of questions and steps.

In my art practice, manipulating the surface with elements such as coffee, tea, and heat create a ground to build compositions. “Bouquet for the Lost Children”, demonstrates the effects of the techniques mentioned and adds another layer of interest through the voids found within the piece. These voids were created by burning the surface, symbolizing a lack or loss of love.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The only mission I have is to continue to be dope and defy my own limitations. I’ve been given great advice from another Memphis creative and that was to show everyone everywhere what I’m made of. The hardest part is keeping momentum and moving in the right direction

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing the final product and the viewers interaction. Knowing that the piece the public views is only the end of the process. It doesn’t show all of the iterations prior. The viewer never sees the layers or the failures it took to build the end result. This is true for architecture, sculpture, art, and design in general. The interaction is what pushes me to continue the work because I know the work will continue to speak even when I no longer can.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kendrickamoore.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: 901.moore
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendrick-m-4b6088123?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app