We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Malachi Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Malachi , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I actually learned to do what I do, on the fly! Trial by fire has always been my greatest teacher. I always have been a creative and free-spirited person, but a muralist, is something I never thought of being. Knowing what I know now I could have skipped a lot of things to speed up my learning process, however like the bible says, “all things are lawful, but not all things are beneficial(helpful)” (1 Cor. 10: 23 ESV). “Speeding up” the process would not have been the beneficial route for me. By going at the pace, I was, actual put me in good places or positions to advance. There are few skills that are most essential in my field. 1. Being a good listener, 2. patient (with myself, the process, and the, client). Lastly, being knowledgeable of your pallet or environment in which the mural will be placed. Thankfully there were not too many obstacles, if any, that stood in the way of learning more. Looking back if I had to mention any one thing it would be, not having access to other parts of the world. Having materials that opened me up to a worlds view of art, and gaining that knowledge through traveling, literature, and even the world wide web. Staying local left, me very limited in my growth at times.
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.
My name is Malachi Williams, BKA Sparrow! I am a professional Muralist (Large Scale Visual Artist), from Phoenix, Az. I got into the industry like most entrepreneurs, stuck at a crossroads in life, with no desire to go back to what got me there! I was at a very low point in my life financially, and very much so figuring life out. I didn’t have a family at the time. I was working, doing day labor at age 19 or 20, digging 6ft trenches in the scorching hot dessert. One Friday, I was in a 6ft. ditch and just cried out to God saying, “I know that I have to work, but I can’t do this, I wasn’t created for this!” Then I immediately walked off the job site and never went back. I didn’t even go back and get my days’ pay! When I got home, I didn’t have a clear grasp on what I had just done. Neither did I know what was going to happen moving forward. However, I gave it to God, and that was that. The following day was Saturday, and in preparation for Sunday Church Service, I cleaned my work clothes (that’s all I had at the time for church) and while cleaning my work boots, I remember getting this urge to draw on them SOO bad, because they had become so stained from work, and SO I DID! I set out to cover all the stains. All I had at the time was a black Sharpee Marker, so I took that marker, and I drew in graffiti font “Jesus is Lord” on the outside of my right boot and the Phoenix Skyline Silhouette on the outside of the other boot. The next day I walked into church with my newly “customized” work boots on, and what would turn out to be my 1st client spotted my shoes and asked, ” where did you get those Timberlands!?” I responded, with ” these are not Timberlands, these are $25 Wal-Mart Steel toe boots”. In disbelief she proceeded to ask, ” Well how did you get that on those, who did the artwork !?” So, I responded very proudly “Me, I drew this!” she and her friend then continued to ask if I could do something like that on a wall!? I humbly said, “I don’t Know, but I could try.” and the rest is history! The following day I began painting Noah’s Ark in my first clients Nursery and simultaneously did an entirely different rendition of Noah’s Ark for the friend at the church. Those two murals where the foundation of my career and help guide me to where I am today. As a muralist it’s important to hear your client’s heart, to really listen to what they are trying to convey. Most of my clients have not gone through the process of commissioning an artist, and they have no idea of where to start. It is vital for me to be patient and listen and try to take in as much information provided. So, I walk my clients through the process from beginning to end, then do my best to translate that into a fitting work of art. My clientele ranges from Homeowners to Public Works officials, Principles and even Hospital CFO’s. These clients all come needing the same thing, me, enhancing or embellishing a space, and them not knowing what to do or where to start. I hear, “I want my logo here but with more….”, or I want to make this space visibly stimulating without taking away the importance of its meaning, or one of my favorites, ” I have this area and I don’t know what to do with it.” As a muralist my job is to translate words, feelings and even reference points into works of art, and my clients trust me to do so. Whatever the message is or whatever “meaningless” artwork needs to be done it’s my job to figure out the best way to present that space. I believe this patient approach is what has sustained me and sets me apart. I can put anything anywhere in essence, when it comes to commissions. Taking the time to actually place the best piece for a space or taking time to do study a neighborhood or facility, that makes the difference. In my space I don’t want to just create a nice piece, I want to make classics, something that will have a lasting effect sticking with you forever.
At this point in my career, I’m most proud of being able to provide a living for my family. As a husband and Father this field isn’t always guaranteed. My wife who is also my business partner has helped me navigate through these different times, and through it, she still chose to stick around. Family is everything. The process of learning my craft and how I have come to accept my role as an artist. Taking that first step into the abyss of faith has gotten me here, and keeping faith will take me further. The dynamic of my craft changes daily and has the potential to end abruptly like it has before (circa March 2020). To be necessary or wanted and willing to learn about myself and my craft, ensures me and gives me hope that I still have room to grow, not for myself only, but for my future clients. I want them to know that partnering with me, you’re going to get the best possible experience that one would hope for. I work tirelessly for my clients and do my best to stay authentic in my approach.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In my field staying relevant is important. With so many artists coming to the forefront it’s important to stay on the curve. Back in 2020 my career came to a screeching halt. Like most peoples in the world at the time, I was affected by Covid -19. My job required me to go into places, and sometimes be around people. So, when covid hit, I was one of the first to be affected by it. My contracts cease, effective immediately. I remember early in my career someone telling me that ” I, (my skill) was a luxury and not a necessity.” so when things began to worsen, I just knew I was going under. Thankfully that was not so! While painting murals was my primary source of income at the time, one of my greatest joys in the art field as a whole is throwing paint parties! No, we couldn’t meet physically and party, however we could meet virtually and keep the party going! With access to the internet, boredom, hopelessness, confusion brewing. It was my duty to the world to make myself and my gift available! I began to figure out how I was going to do livestream meet ups and virtual paint parties from the comfort (discomfort) of my own home. I needed to be in as many people’s spaces without every physically being there and keep the same energy as if we were all together. That is exactly what I did. I managed to keep a steady income and host at least 2 parties a week, gained new clients and met people all over the US. Pivoting was not as difficult as I thought it was going to be but figuring out a way to not grow weary before the light goes out was kind of difficult. I believe at the appropriate time our gifts know exactly what it wants from us and what it wants to do. We just have to be still long enough for it to manifest.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
In my opinion the best way for society to support artist is by supporting starving, thriving, & up and coming artists. Buy artwork, support the local artists, commission the best man for the job and not just the “homie” artist that throws anything your way. By doing this it challenges the novice artist to continue to grow and the seasoned artist to continue to discover relevancy. Thus, building up a thriving creative ecosystem
Contact Info:
- Website: www.strokesbysparrow.com
- Instagram: @watch_sparrow
- Facebook: Malachi Williams
Image Credits
Malachi Williams Ashley Williams