Artist Statement: This design is inspired by the music and versatile nature of New Orleans and its people. the colors and plants were inspired by the wetlands that make up most of Southern Louisiana. Music is a huge part of New Orleans culture but i also wanted to call focus to our plants and our green thumbs, in both our planters and innovators. The plants are growing from these instruments for some fun composition and whimsical wonder. they are also added since I have seen many people in my city take what they have and whatever they have, and use recycle it and many times it can be used to grow their plants.
Kendrik James is a black visual artist based in New Orleans and currently studying at the University of New Orleans as a Studio Arts major. Under the alias of Ken That Artist, Kendrik creates artwork that captures both the beauty and struggle of being human. These dualities can be explored with themes of self-worth, anxiety, depression, toxic masculinity, feminism, the Black experience and promoting mental, emotional, and physical health. These themes can be explored and communicated through poetry written and performed by Kendrik as well. When his is art is not exploring these dualities, he is exploring creativity and joy with bold colors and fun compositions. This allows him to express his love of art without putting pressure on himself and appreciating his art with others with less heavy information. Each side of his art plays an important role as an artist. Both sides show his love and dedication of his craft and reflect his time and enthusiasm to create despite being a busy college student.
