Our Time Is Now: How These Black Creatives Are Pushing Through Chaos

With an unprecedented pandemic sweeping the world followed, by nationwide protests against the injustices against Black and brown people, life as we know it has shifted.

It has affected our mental, physical, and emotional states heavily. As creatives, we are now forced to adapt our artistic approach so that we remain relevant, while also staying tapped in to current issues.

These Charlotte-based artists sound off on the current state of things in the Queen City, and how recent events have affected their creativity. They give insight on their artistic journey and how they are allowing their art form to speak for them during the nation’s current climate. 

Gavin Boulware- photographer 

“The first word that comes to mind is TIRED, Gavin Boulware told The Block. “I’m tired of posting pictures and changing the names on them. My life honestly changed with Trayvon Martin’s case. During the trial, my sister called me and asked if I was good. I replied: “We know how this is gonna end.””

Boulware remembers being a teen once, and doing everything from going to construction sites to simply being in places where people did not want him.  

But now, as an adult he sees things so differently.

“I see security guards and cops coming to work, ready to start something. They take their anger out on protestors. They may have things going on at home and they come to work ready to relieve some stress. Regardless, my goal is always to get home to my wife.”

Boulware understands this is an unpredictable time for a lot of artists. But he feels now more than ever, it is so important to tell others’ stories and have candid convos. He feels it’s necessary to talk about George Floyd and the countless other lives lost, so that white counterparts can see what we experience. 

On his podcast, Paid in Exposure, he does just that. 

I made a promise to myself that I will not be censored for the fear of my business not succeeding.

Gavin Boulware

“I’m pretty open with my views on my social media platforms. and I have lost friends,” he said. “People have even blocked and deleted me. Then they feel the need to tell me why they did it and eventually come back trying to book me. I made a promise to myself that I will not be censored for the fear of my business not succeeding.”

In Boulware’s opinion, Black creatives often feel the need to go outside of their community to get money, and that “white money” is greener. 

“Don’t compromise yourself. When I first started doing photography, I censored myself to appease my audience. Now, I pay attention to those who are silent. I stay honest with myself. I learn from things, and I continue to grow. We have to allow people to grow, but continue to love ourselves and adjust as we need to. I know my community can take me where I want to go.”

Jason Jet- musical artist

Musician Jason Jet is currently in the process of building a new studio despite the current pandemic. But, this is not his first go-round with having his own place to create music. In 2014, he opened a space for artists to create organic music without the pressure that other studios often bring.

Jet is all about investing in creatives, and finds that to be the most rewarding thing for him.

“Business has picked up since Covid-19,” Jet told The Block. “People are really investing in themselves, and I’ve always been that artist that wants to facilitate that for others.”

He hosts a Young Icons camp, provides private student lessons via zoom, and will soon have a recording academy in his new studio, where he’ll teach youth how to run a studio professionally. 

“With this “new norm”and still going after what you want, it’s all about balance.” Jet said. “I have great support from my wife and our family. My wife helped me realize that I’m an educator, and there’s a perfect balance with what I do.”

Jet emphasizes how it takes more than just talent to be an artist today. With 10+ years in the music industry, he has gained the experience to monetize his skills. He finds joy in being able to do the two things that he loves: educate and be an artist. 

“I do what I do because it comes naturally to me. If I just had to just be an artist, I would feel like something is missing. I am a renaissance music man. I produce, I write, I host seminars, I set the city on fire. Regardless of the time period, it’s what you make it. There’s no road map in Charlotte. People are afraid because there is no blueprint, but you have to create that for yourself.”

There’s no road map in Charlotte. people are afraid because there is no blueprint, But you have to create that for yourself.”

Jason Jet

Jazmine McFadden- visual artist

“It’s been such a heavy time for me as a black woman, Jazmine Mcfadden told The Block. “Having a Black brother and father, it has affected me. I have restrained myself from expressing through art.  But art, is such a freeing space to be in. “

Mcfadden began painting in 2017, but doesn’t believe she stepped into her full calling until now. She remembers starting out and only creating images that she knew people wanted to see and buy, rather than what mattered most to her.  Now, her art exemplifies the pain and feelings of a Black woman. Her art is her therapy, and she intends to fight and make an impact through creating authentically. 

Now when I wake up, it feels good to finally choose myself, and use the gift that God has given me to inspire other artists.”

Jazmine Mcfadden

“On my social media platforms, I had to withdraw and filter a lot, because of my full-time job as an auditor. But I’m realizing, it’s all a choice. Now when I wake up, it feels good to finally choose myself, and use the gift that God has given me to inspire other artists.”

Painting began as a mere hobby, but she has since transformed it into a business. She often questioned how she could turn her hobby into a full time career.

“My first thoughts when COVID-19 hit were, “how am I going to survive, am I prepared for this?” I had to tell myself that everything was going to be ok.  After that, it was all about trusting God.”

Mcfadden keeps in mind that circumstances are what you make it, and wants other artists to know that doubt belongs nowhere in your creative process. She has learned through her own experience, that people are either going to like your work, or not.

“I had to get comfortable and say it was ok for me to share my art. I can’t hold back because I want a certain type of follower or audience. Whoever wants to be there, will be.  God’s ordained tribe is what I call them.”

Witz DaWittie- spoken word artist

To be honest, my creative space is disrupted right now,” Witz DaWittie shared with The Block. “I have to cleanse it off in order to be pure again. I can’t think straight, there’s so much frustration.”

DaWittie feels strongly about the space and place our community is currently in. He believes that as a people, we need to take responsibility and focus more on advancing our collective unity. 

“I’m frustrated with America and us. We’re not unified. But we’re preying on each other, so we are doing their work. We are in competition with each other, and social networks have become a boxing ring of “show me what you got.””

In his opinion, COVID-19 has made a significant difference in how people communicate. He believes it has brought people closer because things have essentially slowed down, and our energy has had time to revamp. But, there is much more work to do in order to really rebuild.

“I’ve been pissed and tired of the brutality, so I have to speak,

Witz DaWittie

As far as the latest pandemic, the initial frustration of George Floyd’s murder was a tug on heartstrings globally. He noticed that so many people shared the same narrative, but knew it was necessary to share his personal story while uplifting the community through poetry. 

 “I’ve been pissed and tired of the brutality, so I have to speak,” he said. “I took a different route than the usual, and I can’t wait to share the work I have ready. My pen is in full flow again.”