Today we’d like to introduce you to Zuri Dean.
Hi Zuri, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
During my senior year of college at Michigan State University, I fell into a depression and didn’t like where I was going. I was abusing drugs and alcohol as an outlet. I knew I needed another way to deal with stress so I went to the Micheal’s behind my apartment and picked up some paint and a canvas. The first thing a painted was a symbol that followed me all throughout my trip in Africa. The symbol meant to accept God. After I finished and posted, someone wanted to buy it. That was all the confirmation I needed to pursue art. I kept on painting and learning and getting better. Paintings kept selling and people liked what I was creating. I began to paint everything I could, collaborating with anyone who wanted to. I started throwing my own paint parties and curating events. I began to really lean into being a creative professional and making it my full-time career. My art career took off with opportunities to be in auctions and contracted for painting murals in restaurants.
In February me and my future wife survived a house fire and GOD left us with a message to go to Atlanta and my vehicle. We drove down on faith and got connected with the right people and plugged into the community we longed for.
Being in that type of environment makes it impossible not to grow. That’s how today I have collectors all over the US and celebrity collectors.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been smooth. The same way there are ups, there has to be downs. Some of my personal battles have been with friendships people just falling off and my relationship with my mother has suffered as well. Being such a free individual you know that everyone won’t agree with everything you’re doing but you have to trust yourself and creativity.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve only explored acrylics on canvas, I’m known for my paintings that depict women’s faces. I’m most proud of a piece I sold to Rochelle Riley a collector from Detroit affiliated with the Detroit Institute of Arts.
What sets me apart from everyone is my grind and the relationships I build with people. My use of color is also I’ve been told stands out about my art.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Hell yes! Success is about taking risks! You must fail and try new things in order to succeed. If you want to stand out you have to be different and that all involve taking risks. I’ve taken soooo many risks but they are necessary!
The thing about taking a risk is that you know it’s a risk before you take it and you have to be okay with any consequences that may come the same way you’d be okay with the vita moment after.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CfjwkZOjRBe/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/Vm00XVcXc9M
