After the first year of COVID, Buffalo Rising, an independently owned and operated digital publication, began a video series they titled, “Still Talking.” They defined the series as, “… short vignettes composed of expressive footage and each subject’s answer to a single (not always simple) question.”
I was one of the people they profiled, in June of 2021. The singular question they asked me was, “What is the secret to your success?” My response became a 1-minute video where they show me walking around Buffalo, displaying some of my artwork, and painting, all the while answering their question in voice-over format.
Recently I watched this video again, and was surprised by the answer I gave. Not because it’s incorrect or has changed. Because much of what I stated reflects my purpose in including student artists in LEROI: Living in Color.
Many of the 80 young people involved in this project have not had a chance to develop their art, or even dream about what is possible in their futures. Their experiences in working with me and interpreting my paintings have changed that, and may open art career opportunities for many of them.
Moreover, in mentoring these students I have done my best to share my life and career experiences that I hope will encourage them to dream and to go after those dreams--- something I summarized in the last line of this “Still Talking” video---"Remember my success is your potential success."
LEROI: Living in Color Exhibition includes the work of students from Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT,) Buffalo Public Schools (BPS,) Just Buffalo Literary Center (JBLC,) and Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Art Center. The exhibition will be on view at the Burchfield Penney Art Center through March 26, 2023, presented by M&T Bank, with additional support from organizations and individuals throughout the Western New York community.