Today we’d like to introduce you to Tra`Slaughter.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve been an “artist” since I was a kid. My parents still have work I created in high school hanging in their home. In high school, I used to get kicked out of art class quite often. I’d use that time in the hallway to make my own art and sold quite a few right there. I have had a couple people find me of Facebook over the years and show me some of those pieces they still have. I’ve been a professional artist for close to ten-years. I moved to Houston in 2000 to attend the Art Institute of Houston where I earned a degree in Graphic Design. I make all kinds of art… it’s just whatever is coming through at the time. Art is literally in my name (just backwards). So, I guess I’m in the right business.
Please tell us about your art.
I make all types of art – painting, drawing, assemblage, murals, commercial and any other way to make a mark or a statement. I make art in many different ways because I just can’t pigeon-hole myself to one thing. And, there are many different ideas coming through me that have to be expressed in certain ways using certain materials. I like for my art to be inclusive. Meaning that anyone can connect with it in some way. Be that the message, the visual or just the energy. I look for art that I can see the artist in, and I try to make art in the same manner.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I tend to stay in my little bubble in the world most of the time. I rarely watch the news or read the paper. I buy the paper more for ideas for work (assemblage) rather than to keep up with the world. The world is a strange place and only seems to be getting stranger by the day. I think the role of artists is and has always been to mark time and share different angles of seeing / understanding ideas and concepts. I think artists must strive to continue to grow within their work while continuing the express their ideas / message.
Contact Info:
- Address: Tra` Slaughter
- Website: traslaughter.com
- Phone: 832.607.3596
- Email: traslaughter@gmail.com
- Instagram: @artist_traslaughter
- Facebook: facebook.com/trabird
Image Credit:
Morris malakoff
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