Born in Philadelphia, and having traversed the globe, I’ve been fortunate to immerse myself in diverse cultures, shaping a unique perspective that permeates my character, and is reflected in the varied tapestry of my artistic expression. The journey began in 2000 in San Antonio, Texas, marking my inaugural solo exhibition, and since then, my works have graced both solo and group showcases across the United States, including notable exhibitions in New Jersey and New York City.
From an early age, I embraced my inner muse, allowing creative visions to flow organically. Living and traveling worldwide afforded me the chance to connect with people of myriad cultures and races, a diversity that intricately weaves its way into the fabric of my art. Returning to the East Coast after a period, my artistic style defies regional confines, transcending boundaries with its universal appeal.
Unlike some artists constrained by the pursuit of a livelihood, for me, art is more than a means to earn a living; it’s a medium to authentically express life – a life marked by reflections born from pain, suffering, love, life, death, hope, and redemption.
EXHIBTIONS
2024 – Freelancers Union Visual Artists and Painters, Freelancers Hub, Brooklyn, NY
2014 – Journey through Jiu Jitsu, Space Gallery, Long Island City, NY
2007 – Visual Slang: The Modern Urban Imagination, Abrons Arts Center, NYC
2006 – Touch and Feel: Messing with the high and low, Red Saw Gallery, Newark, NJ
2006 – Enough is Enough, Weston Hall Gallery, Newark, NJ
2005 – Expectations, The Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Rutgers, NJ
2005 – Arthouse Highland Park Arts Festival, New Brunswick, NJ
2004 – Hip Hop Political Convention Art and Resistance Show, Newark, NJ
2004 – San Antonio Cultural Arts Huevos Rancheros Gala, San Antonio, TX
2001 – First Friday Art Exhibition at the Ellis Bean Art Space, San Antonio, TX
2001 – 3rd Annual Mad Media Manifesto Exhibition, San Antonio, TX
2000 – Eye Con and Will Exhibition at the Art Asylum, San Antonio, TX
PUBLICATIONS
- Jiu Jitsu Style Magazine April 2013
- Jits Magazine December 2012
- Jiu Jitsu Style Magazine May 2012
- SanAntonio Express-News Oct.12,2001
- The Austin Chronicle (Vol.20, No.52) August 2001
- Voices of Art Magazine. (Vol.9, No.1) 1998
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
2020 – Freelancers Hub – Faces of Freelance Series
2019 – Brooklyn Freelancers Union SPARK: Expert Panel Discussion: Growing your freelance business
2017 – Blank Canvas TV : S01 EP41 Artist John Smalls Creates a Stunning Sculpture
2017 – Blank Canvas TV : S01 EP33 Clay Sculpture by John Smalls