Interview with QRCKY
Qrcky, Reeking of Resurrection (Poet), 2021, Acrylic on canvas
Qrcky, Genifer, 2022, Acrylic on Canvas, 30 x 40
Born in southern Virginia during the seventies to a family where art was not practiced or encouraged, Qrcky was drawn instinctively to Chuck Jones’ cartoons, Norman Rockwell, and Bob Ross’ PBS show. Qrcky would try to imitate their art while watching cartoons. Twenty years later and entirely desolated by a bad marriage and subsequent relationships, Qrcky began to paint, reverting to the kinds of self-expression he felt closest to as a child. Finding freedom in his art, Qrcky discovered his voice by exiling himself away from friends and family. He found that he could focus and paint at his strongest while feeling content and whole under emotional distress and displacement.
Art is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It documents history. It helps educate people and store knowledge for generations to come. Generations of people that don’t see themselves in art lose their history. My art allows me to develop an identity and be able to say, “This is my story. This is what I know.” Art unites communities and allows us to have a dialogue about history and its legacy. These are some of the most important works I have made. They speak to who I am, my heritage, and my culture.
Qrcky, Fronts, 2021, Acrylic on Canvas
Read our interview below to get a glimpse into QRCKY’s creative journey.
You participate in a lot of art shows, exhibitions, and events. How do you seek out opportunities?
As of late, a lot of opportunities have been presented to me, but before that, social media and sites like Submittable have been paramount
What types of art and culture do you like to consume? Who or what are your most important artistic influences?
Growing up, it was Bob Ross. As I’ve gotten older, I consume a lot of sci-fi and anything with afro-futurism. To this day, Bob Ross was that calming, soothing voice for me as a child, and to see him create something unique still brings me joy.
Qrcky, Ebony, 2021, Acrylic on Canvas
How do you define success as an artist? What do you wish to accomplish?
For me, to be able to live off my heart and focus on it full-time would be an accomplishment that I will wish for.
What are you besides an artist? How do you define your role in life?
I’m a tinkerer and nerd, so I like to build things and create. My life will be left undefined by me. I like to think I’m limitless.
Qrcky, Escuchala La Ciudad, 2021, Acrylic on Canvas
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