The Painter from Atlanta
The J Dilla painting he did for me<3
A note for Jermaine: Thank you, king, for agreeing to be a part of this special segment. Your art work is truly transcendent. The painting in my room that you created is the first thing I see when I wake up and get out of bed. It brings the room to life because there is so much character in it, even though it's just a painting of J Dilla. Jeremy and I feel like he’s actually there with us. You put life into something that remains still. That, is a true gift. You’re one of a kind Jermaine and I wish you all of the success.
Where are you from and where did you grow up?
-Im from Atlanta, Georgia. I grew up in Atlanta until I was about 13 yrs old and then moved to Marietta, Ga
How old are you now and how old were you when you first took an interest into art?
-I can't remember when I didn't have an interest in art. I have always loved drawing and can remember drawing Dragon Ball Z Characters.
What is your favorite childhood memory that involves art? It could be in the sense of drawings/paintings or one of the other forms of art.
-One moment I would be looking at floor plans of houses with my dad and grandpa. Every summer from age 10 until about 15 years old. I would go to work with them and we would end up building the foundation for the floor we looked at.
What inspired you to become an artist? Think back to that very first time you picked up a pencil, pen, or paintbrush with the intent to create something magical. What inspired that very moment?
-I have always felt like an artist, drawing and creating something new is fun. When I think back to a moment like that, the fact that using a pencil, pen or brush can create an amazing piece of work that can change the emotions of people around the world is beautiful.
Do you feel like your art is impacted in a good way by where you’re from and where you grew up?
-Of course I think my art has impacted people where I'm from. It allows people to see what happen when you believe in yourself. Only you can stop you, so get out of your way and become the person you are supposed to be..
What does your creative process look like and what keeps you focused during this time?
-Sometimes its just me throwing paint on a canvas as a start and go from there. What keeps me focused is showing the finished work to my kids and asking them what they think.
What time of day do you feel you do your best work in and why?
-Because I make sure to have family time, I mostly paint at night when everyone is sleep or early in the morning before they woke up
What influences your art work the most?
-Emotions mostly but also trying to see how different colors look together. When it comes to paintings like the J Dilla painting you have, I paint people that motivate me in my day to day journey.
Besides painting, what other art medium do you feel connected to?
-Music, poetry and skating (Yes, I think is an Art)
Do you listen to a playlist when working on specific pieces? If so, who is your favorite musician to listen to while in your creative flow?
-I really don't have a playlist but I listen to Big Sant, Big Krit, Southwest P, Earth,Wind and Fire, Michael Kiwanuka, Tobe, FKJ, Michael Jackson, Usher, Ari Lennox, Ambrosia, Pink Sweat$, JID, Outkast, Goodie Mob and more.
What was one of your favorite art pieces that you’ve created so far? What inspired you to create that specific piece?
-It doesnt have a name but it is hanging in my house. At the time of creating it, we wanted something with color that would stand out and we would be able to pick colors from it to go in our living room.
When you hit creative blocks, what helps you get those creative juices flowing again?
-Music and my kids. Kids have so many crazy ideas but I listen to them and try to make it happen.
How do you feel artistic expression has changed over the last few decades? Do you feel like the passion and love to create art and purchase it has dwindled due to the digital age we live in now?
-I think more people are willing to express their feelings in art and not worry about what/how people may feel toward it good or bad. I do think that people are more willing to purchase art now as long as the artwork connects with them. I have had some more people find me on IG and purchase items from me or ask me to create something for them and we have built great relationships from that.
How would you describe your art style and what do you think sets you apart from other artists?
-I do alot of pour and abstract painting. I do a type of pop painting. I do silhouette type painting like the J Dilla painting you have.
What message are you sending through your art work?
-My message is do what makes you happy, Do what you need to get through any stressful or difficult situation.
Are you currently working on any big pieces? Do you have any art shows coming up any time soon?
-Im not working on any big pieces because I just finished one for my music room.. At the moment I don't have any shows coming up but I am updating my website and it will have when and what I'm doing.
Who is your favorite artist, dead or alive?
-Some of my favorite artist are my friends. @theregalrebel88 @dondocworld @blacktouchdesignco are a few that motivate me. When it come to music Big Sant, Big Krit and Southwest P are some.
I’ve checked out your maniac art website and I love the work and merch! I am definitely going to have to get me one of those hoodies for the winter time. Tell me, what inspired the name “Maniac Art”?
-So years ago........lol I was working at a pizza restaurant and my manager called me JermainEvent, I don't know why and then he called me Jermaniac and at the time I was making mix CD's. So I started use the name DJ Jermaniac, when I came to my art I felt like I wasn't making just the normal art. It was a bit on the different/crazy side or maniac art, plus its part of my name.
What are you most thankful for in your life right now?
-Family, they keep me grounded
Do you have any other passions/hobbies? If so, what are they?
-I love to DJ and grilling
What is the end all goal for your life personally and professionally? What will be the catalyst in your life that will make you say, damn, I have finally made it?
-To become my own BOSS and put my kids in a place where they can do the same.
Are there any special people you’d like to recognize or give thanks to?
-I want to give thanks to the Lord for giving me this talent. Thanks to my mom for continuing to push forward even when she doesn't want too. Thanks to my Community of friends, they have always believed in me even when I didn't. Big thanks to my Kids for telling me that I can do it. They tell me how it is and keep my grounded. I want to thank my Wife for pushing me to chase my dreams and not give up when things get rough. She is my rock!
