Today we’d like to introduce you to Arshaad Norwood.
Hi Arshaad, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Thank you for having me. My name is Arshad Norwood aka “The Brother Behind the Bristles” I’m a multitalented visual artist and Art educator from Villa Rica, Ga with over 15 years of professional experience in mural installations, fine art exhibitions, live wedding paintings, freelance commissions & paint party services. I earned my Bachelor of Art from Lagrange College in 2005. After college, I worked as a studio apprentice for Signe Grushovenko through the Artist & Residence program before working professionally as a graphic artist for Benjamin Studios in Atlanta, Ga. In 2009, I won first place honors at Arts Clayton Gallery for my colossal painting of the First Family, called “The Triumph.” which was just up for bid last month at the NBAF Ascend Auction & Horizons Award.
During the Great Recession, I earned my Master’s degree in Secondary Education, started my art educator career at Jonesboro High school, got married to my wife Latoya Norwood, and launched my art business Art by Arshaad LLC. In 2018 I was nominated for ArtsAtl Luminary Award in Art Education & In Jan 2020, I sealed my name into NPHC history as the first official Live Artist for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s Centennial Art Collection & Celebration in D.C That same year I won 3rd place at the 2020 Decatur Fine Arts Exhibition for my independence day piece “American Dream” which is still on display at Decatur Virtual Arts Gallery!
This year I was selected as a featured artist for According to MIchelle Show @ VTV Network, South Cobb Arts Alliance (SCAA) Black History Exhibit at Rooted Trading Co, Articulate ATL at MINT ATL & Next 100 Year Exhibition @ Southwest Arts Center.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My American Dream has been a long journey with many twists and turns. Every obstacle from surviving foster care to chartering the first black fraternity on LGC campus to teaching at-risk students in underprivileged communities for 11 years has been an uphill battle. Last year during the global pandemic, I was forced to take personal leave without pay regardless of rising cases, teacher deaths, and preexisting conditions. Since then, I’ve taken advantage of every opportunity to push my gift to the next level.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Most would say I specialize in Drawing & Painting however I produce everything from murals to graphic design to fine art portraits to ceramics, sculpture, and most recently photography. Works in my Art collection range from supernatural figurative art with fluorescent embellishments to provocative social art inspired by liberation theology, and transhumanism, while other pieces emit a tranquil motif promoting compassion, unity & social mobility. What sets my Art apart from other visual artists is the transfigurative element of time and the fusion between neoclassical fine art & futuristic digital art creating an intimate space where viewers can investigate, interact and explore!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for emerging artists is to research local art organizations, join several art collectives/guilds and invest in digital marketing tools as soon
Pricing:
- My pricing ranges on complexity of design specifications, size, media/ materials, & deadline so it can range from $300- $3000
Contact Info:
- Email: arshaad3@yahoo.com
- Website: artbyarshaad.com
- Instagram: @artbyarshaad
- Facebook: facebook.com/artbyarshaad
- Twitter: @arshaad3
- Arshaad Norwood Visual Artist, Educator, Entrepreneur www.ArtbyArshaad.com
