Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakeem Wilson.
Lakeem, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born and raised in South Dallas, Texas, in 91, I was greatly influenced by the culture of the hip hop music, jazz, sports, fashion, and the lifestyle of the urban community.
Special thanks to my early mentors such as Vicky Meek, Director of the South Dallas Culture Center, Dave Herman, Director of Preservation Link, Erykah Badu, as well as my elementary art teacher Ms. Campbell, middle school art teacher Ms. Kris Hawkins, my high school art teacher Ms. Yarbrough, community leaders, teachers, as well as family and neighborhood friends who all taught me the value of embracing culture.
My family and community taught me that art is a powerful tool to express my thoughts, challenge social norms, instigate community activism, and to cultivate social change through visual art and interdisciplinary practices. Embracing the beauty and bruises of my environment and upbringing led me to engage in a practical approach towards transforming spaces in real and symbolic ways.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A poem I wrote about adversity. (Written in my voice) –
“I will like to introduce you to…
This Hidden America which have never been seen before.
We opening doors that’s never been closed.
We on the scene for more, the path of the least chose.
But some people, the devil just can’t stop.
They not driven by the time that’s on another man’s clock.
However, the righteous king must still watch.
The devil might push you to rush with a stopwatch.
It’s a reason why they say that Jesus Walked.
In order to listen to God, you must be patient with your thoughts.
God elevates the mind through the way that he talk,
Would you rather be a ground snake or an elevated sky hawk?
The hidden doors are wide open for you to see.
The only thing it take is for you to move your feet.
The Devil says one thing and God says another.
Who are you to choose to push the conversation further?”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about NaturalBorn Studios?
We attract visual thinkers, and we teach creative solutions. Our presentation captures the culture of unique stories and ideas generated by creative minds and thought leaders. We see the problems of today and opportunities to solve them through creative publishing. Our brand character is BEAMS, which is an acronym for Be Elevated And Manifest Success. We believe that creative communication is the key to building innovative solutions.
Lakeem Wilson is an artist, Illustrator, and entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience working within the community arts field for urban and social environments. His works captures the essence of urban culture and social-political narratives about the black identity. He has created profound bodies of artwork, including ‘The Embodiment Series, (2019); ‘Hidden America’ Fine Art collection (2020), and ‘The Art of Her’ Illustrated collection (2018). As a founder of NaturalBorn Studios, Lakeem has worked with several authors, creatives, and influencer to provide solutions for creative publishing, illustration, design, and art direction endeavors.
What were you like growing up?
I was taught to do everything with reason and purpose. I’ve always been a deep thinker, and I understood that everything started with me. I had to develop a level of awareness, and sometimes I payed attention to what others didn’t. I realized that I’m human, I’m not perfect, I’m flawed, I can be wrong, and most of the time I am wrong.
But that realization allowed me to make adjustments a lot easier. My ability to accept that I am wrong allowed me to identify my flaws and make proper adjustments quicker. I learned early on that life isn’t about perfection but about perception. I learned In order to win in life, you must learn how to take losses. My personal experiences and observations of society has always been fuel in which I draw creative inspiration from.
Pricing:
- Hidden America Hard Copy Book – $77
Contact Info:
- Email: NaturalBorn.Studios@gmail.com
- Website: LakeemWilson.com
- Instagram: @lakeemwilson.com_
- Youtube: Lakeem Wilson
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/lakeem-wilson-7
- Other: Google Lakeem Wilson
Image Credits
Illustration and Artwork created and photographed by Lakeem Wilson
