We were lucky to catch up with Odon McClaine recently and have shared our conversation below.

Odon, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I’ve painted several political statements with the pieces in my “Angel series” On is entitled Garden of Sorrow that brings attention to all the Black lives lost to police misuse of power or lack of police involvement.

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.

I truly realized I was an artist when my 3rd grade teacher brought to my attention that I had talent. I’ve been an artist over 60 years. I began working as a commercial artist in my 20’s for an advertisement company called Berry Advertising. Since that time I’ve gotten out of Advertising and focused on fine arts. Now as a fine artist I do art on commission. If it’s a commission piece I paint the subject matter or ideas that the client request. If not a commission piece my personal paintings are statements of what is going on in society. What sets me apart from other artists is that I’m not afraid to bring attention to important issues that have sensitive subject subject matter. For example my painting “When Roses Bleeds” it was a homage to all the young victims who lost their lives in the Uvalde school shooting. My main goal is to be an example to young minority artists growing up that their are people that look like them that do fine arts. If you ask the average person to name a Black artist they can’t I would like to be an artist that they can recognize and remember.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Many years ago I submitted my work to a gallery and the curator accused me of stealing someone else’s work. She didn’t believe a black person could paint as well as I did. She even said I covered up the original artist’s name with my own. When that happened it hurt but I continued to create and focused on my work.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

More communities should have places where children can learn about art and have access to the opportunity that fine arts can provide.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bosscreations48
• Email: bosscreations48@gmail.com

Image Credits
O’Don McClaine III