Today we’d like to introduce you to DeErica Wynn.
DeErica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always known how to draw since I could pick up a pencil. My dad passed that trait to me. I didn’t realize I was “gifted” until maybe 5th grade, it was always a wonder of why can I create better than those around me even though we’re all at the same level. I let that thought along with the guidance of my family, friends a faith push me to where I am today. I was still am a very imaginative person with weird, ideas and I let that be a forefront of my creativity now. I really had to learn myself to be the element I’ve become especially coming from a small southern town.
In college, I found my key style component of painting or drawing or graphics with the help of my drawing professor, whom I look at as a mentor. On that base, I was able to produce amazing compositions that I hated but I appealed to a certain audience that loved it.
Particularly after I did my first art show a few months back, that’s where I really had to step back an analyze and say “Make what I’ve always wanted to do as a child but never had the outreach and understanding from others, now. Do that now!” That’s when I started producing what I do now which is street art. I’ve always wanted to do graffiti but my mama wouldn’t let me. I love the elements of it, the colors and concepts. People like Keith Haring, Kaws, Hebru Brantley, Greg Mike an so many other artist in that field I’m so drawn to because of my undying passion that has elevated me. Though I still have yet to paint a wall, it’s coming.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not! I’ve dealt with a lot of setbacks, heartbreak and just self-doubt. The biggest thing that happened was the lost of my grandfather. He was my backbone. He pushed me to go harder. That messed me up emotionally because he was the only male figure in my life so everything I did was for him. Just to give him something to brag about an just be overjoyed. Along with a extremely long relationship gone extremely toxic, plus dealing with trying to deal with just life an regular jobs to pay bills. All that takes a mental toll and for artist any distraction can knock you out of your creative space. It made me doubt a lot of decisions and if I was on the right path. I’m way better now though. I have to be,I have people looking up to me and friends that are riding for me until the wheels fall off so I can’t be anything other then great. Everything’s a motivation now, good and bad.
Please tell us about Art by Puff/Living Legacy.
I draw, paint, and do graphic design. I am more known for drawing and painting. That’s what I have primarily focused on design is more so of a side hustle. I do combine them a lot though. I also have a clothing line in process called Living Legacy. It’s really vintage culture and aesthetics combined with my actual artwork. They basis of the name is just start writing, witnessing and enjoying what you define yourself to be know for right now as your here. I don’t wanna die an that’s when people realize that I’m a great mind an artist. I am also going to be pursuing a career in tattooing as well soon. I want many platforms under my belt.
I’m proud of the type of reaction and love that I’m receiving from everything that’s presented, you know. What sets me apart from everybody is that it’s ME. Every person has their own thoughts and perspectives an it’s your choice whether to stick to what you want solely or what everybody else is thinking. I tried that with my art when I was solely making work of African American figures because that’s what all black artist I saw, who were successful, was depicting and I wasn’t happy with my work. I love looking at the art, I love the concepts and I love my people but it just wasn’t my niche to create in. You gotta do what makes you, you.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Geez, I guess, from what I can actually remember, my favorite memory has to be the giant random water balloon fight we had in the house. My aunt was pissed and from the country so you gotta entertain yourself somehow in the heat.
Contact Info:
- Email: deericaw@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/puff.sensei
- Twitter: Twitter.com/puff_sensei
Image Credit:
Photo creds: Justin Allison (@onlyjusto_)
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