Today we’d like to introduce you to Cbabi Bayoc
Hi Cbabi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been a full time artist since 1995. My first art job was as a caricature at Six Flags of St Louis. From there, I worked as an illustrator for Rap Pages magazine, which later led to being hired to provide the illustrations for the Violator Album, Vol. 1. Prince bought several of my works in 1998 and 1999 and one became the Rainbow Children cover. Since then I have primarily created works on canvas and made a career out of selling paintings and reproductions that reside in homes around the world. I had a project, 365 Days with Dad, that I started in 2012 in which I created 365 paintings of black fathers and their children. It took me 787 days to complete. Since then, I have done the occasional portrait or two, and I am currently doing mostly murals in schools and businesses that carry overall a theme of inclusion and diversity. I like to use very bold color and have a strong desire to have my work bend more towards an abstract and cubist nature.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Because I was more concerned with being an artist than being a businessman, the road has definitely been a bumpy one. Business ebbs and flows as most small businesses experience, and proper management and representation have always been an area of concern. I can say for sure that having leveled up in management over the last three years has allowed me to focus more on my work and sharpen my skills. And my business and caliber of work have grown as a result.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in images of family, with an emphasis on black fathers. I also enjoy creating paintings that empower children. I am most proud of my 365 days with the project and the murals I have been honored to create over the last three years.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
That I actually have a silly side. They always think I am serious or in deep thought. I am a lover of documentaries that cover reconstruction and slavery and REALLY enjoy stories of individuals that are either ordinary or celebrity. I find the human experience very interesting.
Contact Info:
- Email: cbabi.bigcartel.com
- Website: cbabibayoc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbabi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbabibayoc/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cbabibayoc/
