Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shrodrick Spikes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shrodrick, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of my most meaningful projects was a 3-day, solo, self – curated art exhibition in Fall 2021, entitled Diamonds Are Forever.

The exhibition was created as a new way to celebrate black love from the black male gaze. In addition, I also curated this exhibition to highlight and celebrate my then, fiancées’ 30th birthday and our new engagement. We got married on June 24, 2022, so I’m really excited about that. The title of the exhibition was a direct nod to her real name Diamond, and her obsession with the color white and vintage styles.

The exhibition featured a love letter engraved on white acrylic sheets, a tub filled with 24,000 white rose petals, 15 portraits and a candle line of 50 and so much more. You really had to be there. I have this thing with billboards, so I even got a billboard for the exhibition in the city. She loved it!!

Shrodrick, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Creating came natural to me and it’s something I’ve done my entire life. As my creative practice began to evolve, I realized it was more than just creating, it was therapy. I figured if it helped me throughout life, I’m sure it would do the same for others. My multi-disciplinary creative practice, Shrodrick Spikes Contemporary Creative House or (SSCCH) focuses on the exploration of identity. Its the focal point of my practice and something I’ve always explored within people and myself.

Lately, I’ve really been exploring the film industry. I mean we’re in Atlanta…. its kind of hard not too, lol. Seriously though, I love film and everything about it. I grew in the Blockbuster home video era, so Pizza Hut and movies was always a good idea. In summer 2021, I curated my first film premiere, Silence. It featured 4 silent short films that I wrote, directed, and executive produced. Definitely something new for me, but I really enjoyed the process and curating the experience. To me, film is every art form in one. I think that’s what makes it so beautiful.

Outside of my personal film projects, I also work in the tv industry. I’m a graphic designer at Bounce TV based here in Atlanta, Georgia. I love the process and how everything comes together just so people can just sit back, relax, and enjoy what you and a collective team of creatives put together for their entertainment.

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

Creative stimuli. Being able to provide people with a creative experience and how they respond to it is so satisfying for me. Doesn’t matter if it’s positive or negative feedback about my work. I welcome it all. If it grabbed and kept their attention long enough to affect them, I feel accomplished.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Now. Literally now. I’ve been on a hiatus for the past 7 months. I’ve been taking a break from doing my personal work and preparing for our wedding that my wife and I designed and curated ourselves. During this time, I’ve gained a lot of mental clarity and a shift in my direction. One thing I realized was that I love being a creative, but I love being the institution just has much. Being the institution gives me leverage to provide opportunities for myself and other creatives. That’s one of the main reasons why we started our Diamond and Spikes Contemporary Studio. Speaking of being the institution, we had our wedding and I curated the surprise proposal in our studio as well. The beauty of having your own space is that it gives you the freedom to prep for an event without feeling rushed.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.diamondandspikes.com
• Instagram: @shrodrickspikes
• Facebook: @shrodrickspikesofficial
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/shrodrickspikes
• Twitter: @shrodrickspikes
• Youtube: Shrodrick Spikes
• Other: My new website shrodrickspikes.com is under construction.

Image Credits
Photography Credit • @essence.ransome