Eric's Perspective : A podcast series on African American art

In this episode, Eric sits down with talented and celebrated artist, illustrator and author… Kadir Nelson! They discuss how he first discovered his artistic inclination and how it had been fostered from an early age; having been mentored by artist and art teacher Michael Morris; his uncle. His educational journey in art — having received a scholarship to study art at the Pratt

In this episode, Eric sits down with the talented and accomplished singer, songwriter, filmmaker, author, lecturer and photographer... Byron Motley. They discuss his early years; being raised in Kansas Missouri, his early exposure to music and singing and the love that he developed for performance -- to eventually having a musical career, working on Broadway and performing and reco

In this episode, Eric sits down with the talented and celebrated artist Bernard Stanley Hoyes. They discuss his experience of growing up in Jamaica and discovering his passion for art. Working in carpentry, to transitioning into sculpture and painting. His unique upbringing and exposure to the Revival culture and spirituality… moving to the United States, his education in the art

In this episode, Eric sits down with AAA certified art appraiser, friend and colleague… Pamela Brown. They discuss her educational background and her love of history, research and learning… especially related to African American culture. How she first became interested and exposed to the arts including new and emerging artists. Her educational background, working in the corpora

In this episode, Eric sits down with renowned author Peter J. Harris. They discuss his early beginnings; from having been born in Washington D.C, studying journalism at Howard University to eventually pursuing a career as a writer. They discuss his personal life and how he first developed an interest in poetry — meeting influential artists and master poets who inspired him. How p

In this episode, Eric sits down with Executive Director of the nonprofit Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles; Keasha Dumas Heath. They discuss her passion for storytelling, affinity for poetry and the interconnectivity of the arts. The history and legacy of the museum, including the founder Dr. Samella Lewis… the role that MAAA has played in the community as a cultural

In this episode, Eric sits down with author, media personality and art collector; Alvin Hall. They discuss his early beginnings — growing up in Florida during the Jim Crow era, his educational journey and early exposures to art. The artists who inspired him and helped cultivate his knowledge and appreciation for the artistic process. How he began collecting black and white photog

In this episode, Eric sits down with acclaimed artist Kenneth Gatewood. They discuss the role that his parents played in encouraging him to pursue art and his early beginnings as an artist. Growing up in South Central LA and the artists that influenced him. Being an artist, managing himself and the importance of presentation. Gatewood’s artistic process, working with watercolor a

In this episode, Eric sits down with artist, curator and professor; Jamaal Sheats. They discuss his background — growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, his interest in the arts, his educational background, attending Fisk University and ultimately ending up at Fisk University as a faculty member! Sheats sheds light on how at first he ‘ran’ from the arts — wanting to be a busine

In this episode, Eric sits down with the talented Christen Austin; California native visual artist. They discuss her early exposures to art, artistic influences and how her Mother is also an artist. She sheds light on her educational background, studying Biology, how it lends to her artistic approach. How she transitioned into becoming a full-time artist and the challenges faced by