We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lamar Whidbee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lamar, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Prior to and even after I earned my license in Clinical Mental Health counseling, I noticed how I would be in contact with men with a desire to further understand themselves and improve communication with their partner and family. Thinking of the stories of some of these men in addition to myself, I created a body of work which included 12 paintings and 1 statue. Collectively, these works are titled “Amygdala” which were shown at Artspace and Wake Tech Community College. These exhibits lead to much discussion and action taken to raise awareness about mental health.
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.
Born and raised in the town of Hertford, North Carolina, I embarked on a unique journey that evolved from a collegiate football career to the world of visual art. After receiving a football scholarship at Winston-Salem State University and transferring to North Carolina Central University, my path took an artistic turn. During my undergraduate years, I found mentorship under Dr. Beverly McIver, igniting my passion for art. My academic pursuits led to an MFA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a License in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina State University.
As an artist and educator, I’ve shared my insights in middle schools and colleges. Beyond my professional life, I am a husband and a father of two.
I channel my creative energy into art that explores mental health and family, employing mediums like oil, acrylic, charcoal, and graphite to convey the depth of human emotions.
Today, I approaches the contemporary art scene, using my craft to spark conversations on mental health and family, offering insights into the human experience.
Im most proud of my desire to positively impact people with my gifts and talents from God.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The mission of my creative journey is tell stories and bring forth ideas that allow the viewers of my work to look inward and grow while I stive to do the same.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
When I see and hear people interact with my work.
Being able to bring thoughts into fruition that positively impacts a persons life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lamarwhidbee.Com
- Instagram: Afro_picasso
- Facebook: Lamar Whidbee, Ideal Me
- Linkedin: Lamar Whidbee
Image Credits
Bio Photo: Samantha Everette