Black Unlimited Blog

Artist Spotlight – Arshaad Norwood – Taking It Back To The Basics, Painting

Today’s interview is with a wonderful painter by the name of Arshaad Norwood.

Where are you from?
I am from Atlanta, Ga, born in Philly.

What kind of artistic things did you do growing up?
I have been into art since I can remember. I used to get in trouble in elementary school for always drawing on the back of all of my papers. Art was always a passion of mine and a way for me to express myself.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An Artist/ Inventor

What made you interested in painting and other things artistic?
My Mother was an Artist. She could not work a regular job due to her physical ailment and doing art gave her fulfillment. That love for the arts was instilled in me at an early age.

How do you pick the topics of your projects? What inspires you?
I pick subjects that teeter close to controversy, but with out being blatent. I want to shed light on certain topics and address it in a subjective way so that each viewer can come to their own revelation of what the artwork is about and how it relates in all perspectives.

What has been your journey to where you are right now?
Not sure how to sum it up, but in general I have lived in many different environments and have endured a variety of trials/tribulations and have subsequently learned to be flexible and adaptable. With this knowledge I have learned to be proactive instead of reactive.

Is there anyone in any industry you admire?
I don’t really keep up with media and industry. I know how things can be misconstrued and so therefore my perception of an artist may be far from reality and invalid. I admire the average parent working dead end jobs to feed their kids or the college grad that gets thrown into the real world that sticks with his dream. And most of all the people that got laid off and decided that they will not be statistic, they will not regress ,they will Progress and they will succeed.

What is your favorite project that you have worked on?
I would have to say the Triumph, My Inaugural Painting. It is a piece that breaks to the root of Our conscious. It will make you either feel rejuvenated or slightly uncomfortable and that is great.

What projects are you working on right now?
I am working on another piece it is called the Golgatha of Gaza (Good Friday) It is a multi-layered piece with great depth. It is timely. It speaks to the religious, the non-believer the old, and to the young!

What do you see yourself doing in the future?
Developing my craft, of course and getting more media exposure of my work.

Do you have any tips for someone who would like to get into painting?
Be open to all. Be a sponge. There is so much to learn and it will only help you perfect your craft and hone in on your own vision as a artist.

Where can we see your work?
www.anorwoodproductions.com

Do you have any shout outs?
Shout out to my man Logic at Infinite Dimensions, my boy Smitty at Gone Digital Productions, and also my man Stess the Emcee at Blazin 102.3 in Tallahassee, Fl.