Recently, I participated in a plein air painting competition and one of my fellow artists asked me “do you ever feel weird being the only black person in these shows?” I was taken back but also encouraged that someone would be willing to start that conversation. I could tell that she was genuinely curious. I explained to her that I’m very well aware that I’m the “brown unicorn” at most of these events, but it doesn’t bother me until someone makes assumptions or makes an uninformed effort to relate to me.
On many occasions, I’m asked if I know Dean Mitchell. For those of you that don’t know, Dean Mitchell is one of the most well-accomplished artists in the country and also happens to be African American. I’ve never met him personally but there’s only one similarity between the two of us. Wanna guess? Yup, we’re both African American. I guess many people assume that minorities travel in packs and get together for dinner every Sunday. Some would say that’s a compliment but I, and others, would see it as a desperate attempt to relate. To that I would say, would you ask someone that is Canadian if they know Michael J. Fox? … or an Italian if they know Super Mario?
Maybe I’m used to being the odd man out because I had a diverse group of friends growing up, between school, sports and boy scouts. Was I aware of racism and bigotry back then? Yes, but it really didn’t affect me until college and having to select a career path. Looking back at it, I was very fortunate in college, majoring in illustration. Three out of four of my instructors were African American. I didn’t realize just how rare that was as many of my schoolteachers were from all walks of earth. Looking back on it, I think they saw how rare I was and pushed me a little harder than others. They never gave me the “you have to work twice as hard as everyone else” conversation. I had already received that from my parents.
After college, when I began my illustration career, I realized just how different things were going to be for me. It may help to know by this time in my life, I could paint anything… landscape, portraits, likenesses, still lifes, etc. The problem was that many of the art directors only saw an African American illustrator and not my very diverse portfolio. This meant that I would only get assignments dealing with race or for Black History month. While many black and brown artists love focusing on their own culture, I didn’t want to be defined by that. I wanted to earn my way based on the quality and merit of my work alone.
20″ x 24″ – Oil
Some time had passed, the commercial art world wore me down and I was ready for a career in fine art. I relied heavily on galleries and made a strong effort to maintain my anonymity. It’s hard to discern someone’s race, gender or nationality when you’re painting landscapes. Those issues didn’t come up until the galleries would ask me for a headshot for publicity. I would often decline or tell them that I forgot. A close friend and gallery owner told me that if the customer didn’t want your painting because of your race then you probably don’t want their business anyway. So true.
Although I’ve been doing this art gig for over 20 years, I still hate going to gallery openings or plein air events because I know that someone will make my race a topic. I’m more annoyed because there are so many other things that I would be willing to talk about…you know, like the artwork. At the end of the day, I’m an artist just like you who has to deal with those folks saying “I can’t even draw a stick figure”.
30″ x 30″ – Oil
Have I benefitted from this new wave of acceptance and inclusion? … Probably. Honestly, I’ll never know. At the same time, in the back of my mind I’m always wondering if I’m invited to an event to “check off a box” or “to help an organization seem more diverse”. No one wants to admit such a thing. Fortunately, I’m getting calls all year around now as opposed to only during Black History Month.
Even as recent as the early 2010’s some of my white friends, when explaining a racist incident, insist that it was “all in my head” or that “they didn’t mean it like that”. Let’s face it, some people do “mean it like that” and some people don’t.
Most people have good intentions, but that sincerity is hard to hear when they’ve put their foot so far into their mouths. I think bringing up these issues in a thoughtful, intentional and sincere way is a much better idea than avoidance caked with assumptions. If you want to start the conversation let go of your pride or need to be right and just dive in. It’s better than doing nothing.
18″ x 24″ – Oil
Christine Lashley says
Great article Stephen, thanks for talking so openly about your experience. I’m happy we’ve been able to paint together and look forward to seeing you soon in Charleston.
Dan Knepper says
Well written, my friend. And I’m always glad to see your work seen by an ever growing circle.
Mark Farina says
Nice work!
Judy Crowe says
Excellent article Steven. Thanks. Judy
BikiMaragni says
A dull, colorless painting.
Abby Howard Murphy says
Great article. Women artists have also experienced similar paths. Under representation pre- 1960s lacking patrons, few in gallery/ museum, underrepresented as jurists and in educational leadership. Gratefully it It is improving, but I still can easily identify a male juror by the subject matter and palettes they may be drawn to which are different. Women artists also often dismissed as hobbyists. Hope for more diverse voices in our training, influencers, jurists and decision-makers.
Marsha Hamby Savage says
I appreciate that you wrote about this and value your thoughts. It would never even occur to me to discuss your skin color or anything related to it. I see you as an artist and a fellow traveler in this journey of art. I see you as an artist that has grown through your career, tackling all the life of an artist, the learning and navigating the marketing, just like the rest of us. For anyone that has a difficulty in whatever manner — color, ethnicity, disability, age, gender, etc. — I applaud how you handle it. You are a wonderful artist!
Nancy Bea Miller says
Thank you so much! It was generous of you to start this conversation. I really appreciate hearing your point of view. (Also your work is beautiful!) Thanks again for your kindness in sharing your experience.
Jan Delipsey says
Greatly enjoyed your article…. At many levels.
And love your work.
lisa says
Your landscapes are beautiful! Thank you for this insightful and thought-provoking article. I am Puerto Rican, White. I grew up in a multicultural family, with a melting pot of races in our extended family. I was raised in the 60s-70s in San Francisco and Hawaii. At the time, I did not get that my family was not the norm. It never occurred to me that having cousins who dated and married African American was unusual. Then I turned 16 and was head over heels in teen love with my first boyfriend. One day, a classmate approached me and asked, “how do your parents feel about you dating R.R.?” I answered, “they’re fine with it because I just turned 16.” She replied, “no, I meant because he is Black.” I was stunned, not knowing what to say. This was perhaps the first time in my then-short life that racism hit me personally. How naive was I?
Even now, in my 60s, with half African American nieces, I will never know how it is to be African American in today’s world. Can we ever truly empathize? No, I don’t think so. But we can learn. So thank you, articles like yours make me think about and digest racism and the good intentions and sincerity of others and myself regarding race. As an artist, I especially appreciate it in the art world context. Thank you for that!
Sandra Scott says
Excellent article and the need for more empathic conversation regarding race in professions. History of ingrained bias requires a willingness to engage with others by listening and see others as human as oneself. Ask yourself to place yourself in others place. Appreciate the gifts and talents we all our share.
Dorothy says
Steven,
Thank you for this thoughtful and measured discussion. I’m not in your shoes – which makes it even more important to hear your perspective – and I just wanted to say I appreciate your perspective. And your art!!! No one wants to be put in a box, whatever the box may be, as it tends to deny the fullness of what we have to offer.
All the best to you, and thanks.
Cecilia “Ceci” Neustrom says
Steven- I love your work! The pieces posted are beautiful! Thank you for sharing your “hand-work”and, in the article, sharing the inner thoughts of your “head-work”. I’m glad you’ve stayed the course…artists have many battles to fight, in the hand, in the head, and in the heart…. You’ve been amazingly successful in all.
Keep on keeping on!
Thanks for sharing, Ceci
Nancie King Mertz says
Brave, wonderful article! Thank you for sharing, and for creating such compelling work.
Sandra Cashman says
Thank you, Steven, for your candid discussion of what it’s like to be an artist dealing with racism. Your sharing helps us white folks to understand and appreciate the challenges you have to deal with every day. On the subject of discussing art… I love your work, it is so similar to the subjects and colors I choose… what I am striving to reach, but not there yet. I especially appreciate how you deal with the shadows and how they complement the light – it’s like magic. I’m a huge fan.
Gwen Meyer Ethelbah says
I LOVED “Early Debut” by Steven Walker…wow!
Rita says
Beautiful work! I’m sorry that race has been an issue for you. I’d venture to say that my gender has been an issue for me (with some people) This business is hard. For all races and all genders. I sincerely wish the best for you. Your work is certainly worthy of admiration!
Carla Stroh says
Great post ! Beautiful paintings!
Anne Emerson Hall says
I am thankful for Steven Walker’s beautifully written essay. I particularly appreciate the candid feedback he provides regarding the ways he has been treated, and let’s all hope we can say “in the past” sooner rather than later. His talent and the beautiful work he produces awe me, and I will add this essay to the list.
I had a friend whose grandfather had a saying, “It takes all kinds of people to make a world, and they’re all here.” All here to be respected and appreciated, he’d add.
Martha Cowan says
Love your work Steven! And the title of your article had me curious, which is the main reason I was drawn to read it and see your beautiful work. Bravo!
Shirley Kratz says
Wow! Where did you grow up? I am from the South and for some reason have always had a fascination with “swamps”. You paint like you do too? Beautiful!
SUZANNE VIECHNICKI says
Excellent article and I like the art work. I wish I had illustration in my background.
Virginia Chamlee Cooper says
Your paintings are stunning!
You have expertly and sensitively expressed what you have experienced as an artist and as a black artist in particular. It is eye opening and we all need to pay attention to our words so that they do not cause division but promote unity. Thank you for sharing.
Virginia Chamlee Cooper
Nancy Fly says
Honestly, when I saw the headline, I thought the topic was going to be about Charlie Hunter, and his use of a shade of brown as his primary color when painting. However the article was really good, and I have a question about Early Debut by Steven Walker OPA.
Is there a way for me to reach out to him personally concerning my question?
Thanks.
Caridad Faust says
I understand perfectly what you’re saying, because that happens to me. I am Hispanic, and to top it off, I paint a lot of God, visions and dreams that He give me. I also paint landscaping, flowers still life, portrait, and so on. But I relate to all of that.
Thank you very much for writing about this topic. You have had the courage that many of us have lacked.
Sincerely,
Caridad Faust
Kirsten Savage says
I so appreciate your willingness to write with such honesty and openness, Steven. Thank you for sharing your experience as a talented landscape artist and an African American individual.
Alisann Smookler says
Your words need to be heard. Well said!! People have a funny way of asking questions sometimes, without thinking first what’s coming out of their mouths.
Your work is wonderful. Your use of lights and darks are an AWE for me!
Donna Catotti says
Thank you for sharing that. As hard as we white folks try to be race neutral, racism is so endemic in our society that sometimes we don’t even realize we are being prejudice, and it is certainly not intentional. This article makes me more aware and sensitive to these concerns.
Carol Lindemulder says
I think your work is beautiful, just gorgeous! I am an 86 year old woman artist with
my own stories of age and gender. Who cares to stress that? I just keep going, and have a book published this past year on color and contrast.
I particularly notice what wonderful color work,with HIGH contrast you use, and love that!
Lynden Willingham says
Some folks use obstacles in life as stumbling blocks and excuses. That is definitely not the case for Steven Walker. What is seen as an obstacle to others, Steven sees a beautiful opportunity to paint a landscape full of color and intensity that is inspiring.
Jo Kittinger says
It was good to hear your thoughts Steven.
I never think about race when I admire your work. I’m just blown away by your skill with light play and lush landscapes. But I am sure that in-person events can bring that to the fore front. To me, your primary color is talent!
Don Reither says
Great blog. I’m sorry you have to put up with “people”. I’m glad you are courageous and wrote on the subject. I don’t have a solution for the problem, people being what they are, I doubt it will go away. You are an extremely talented, mature adult, and please continue your work. Your work will outlive us all. Thank you.
Christine Swann says
Good for you for writing this!
Nicholette Fetsch says
I thought this was going to be about greys, umbers and sienna pigments and how to bring light into dark paintings. Oh, well….maybe next time. Your work is so beautiful.
Suzie Baker says
You are the real deal! I appreciate your candor! See you next week and you can show me that unicorn horn of yours! 😉
Amy Carter Ishmael says
Although, I enjoyed and chuckled at your article, I have found that being a caucasian female with a last name of Ishmael can empathize.
I hadn’t realized yet also experience a type of, “do we want or need that one?”
For years, I wondered why so many people asked if I was Muslim, as they excitedly saw I was caucasian with a last name of Ishmael.
The answer, no.
and I’m not Jewish either…(which actually might have helped in the art world.)
My hubby is half Italian, 25% Irish, and apparently somewhere a long time ago had a bit of German Jewish history in there.
Most times people just try to either, “keep out the middle eastern”.
Then when it became fashionable to “check that box”, a headshot turned them off.
On the off chance they find out I am caucasian, and didn’t want to check “the middle eastern box”, they wonder about who I married.
Let’s all try and keep it about the art, shall we? Signed, in agreement, about keeping it about the art….(and not judging about technique either, classical training or self taught.)
Jane Flewellen says
Eloquently courageous!
Franklin Mendez says
Steven, I enjoyed your story very much. I thought I was the only one who had gone through the mill of “What are you doing here”. I retired as an Art Director, I had 14 BFA’s working for me in the Art Department at the height of my career. My “Job Description was to bring in the money”. So I competed against the other 4 Art directors in the country. That’s right “In the USA”, there were 4 of us working for 4 different Class Ring Manufacturing companies. My win loss record was better than the rest. Why? because I had to work twice as hard as the rest. Did I ever worry about that issue, I had no time and as you had been told by your parents, mine told me I could be “anything I wanted to be if I worked hard enough for it”. So the rest was not my concern, I was competing to kick everyone’s butt, and I could have cared less who’s butt it was. I needed to win as my family depended on it.
I am who I am, and that is all I can ever be. But there are few in the world that have designed 3 New York Yankees World Championship Rings in a row. I designed the 1998, 1999, and the Subway Series of 2000.
No one is better then me, and I am no better then anyone else. My dad told this to me.
so,” if we can be unified in the essentials, Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
we can then be diverse in the particulars, of who we are and where we come from”.
Quote I read and wrote down many years ago, it still applies.
Steven I hope to meet you some day.
Brie says
What I prize about your work is your relentless honesty—as expressed in the painting itself, and also in your writings. It is really lovely to see somebody willing to be that honest. I am very sorry to read that you are reluctant to show your image because of your skin color. That is just awful. For what it’s worth, I do not know a soul who would be blinded by skin color to your work. Anyone who thinks that way is just wrong. Your work is immensely compelling.
I am an “odd bird” in a few ways not worth mentioning here. Please, keep on. You do good for the rest of us.
Sonja Jackson says
I love your art for the vivid depiction of light. It is mesmerizing! Your article also sheds light on a subject that cannot be ignored. I appreciate hearing about your experience.
Carol McIntyre says
Steven,
I send a HUGE thank you for writing this blog to teach us (white folks) how our behaviors and words impact others, particularly when these actions seem small to us, when in fact, they are not. I truly appreciate your excellent writing and willingness to take the time for me to understand your world just a little bit more. I am embarrassed by the way you have been labeled and the assumptions that have been made. You deserve better.
Thank you for educating me and others. Your landscapes are stunning. May the world shine on you and your career well into the future.