WE ARE WORLDWIDE: DEJA PATTERSON X WORLDWIDE MAGAZINE
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4. SPRING SUMMER 2023.
TALENT DEJA PATTERSON ★ PHOTO + BEAUTY + INTERVIEW BY CHRISTIAN RATCLIFF-MASON ★ SR. EDITOR + PRODUCER ANDYOMO
CHRISTIAN RATCLIFF-MASON: What is one piece of advice that you want to give to Black Creatives WORLDWIDE?
DEJA: I’d advise everyone to stay persistent. I know that being a Black creative can be challenging in predominately white spaces. Some of us don’t have the privilege of generational wealth to launch our careers. We must work traditional jobs, while we’d rather put our time and efforts to our crafts. Stay persistent with tunnel vision. Stay true to yourself and stay true to your brand. Eventually something gon shake!
What is beauty and where do you find it?
I find beauty in behaviors and actions. How you treat yourself and how you treat others reflects who you are as a person. If you are kind, compassionate and considerate, I find that to be beautiful.
Your artwork very expressly illustrates aspects of your body. Because of this you have often been labeled a body positivity activist/artist. What are your thoughts on this title and the ideas body positivity movement as a whole?
I’ve been fat since I was about 9 or 10. Even as a little girl growing up in the 2000s, I was loud, flamboyant, and comfortable with who I was and how I looked. The culture in Mississippi praised curvaceous bodies, and I was often surrounded by plus sized Black women. It wasn’t until I moved to New York City in 2017 that I was blatantly discriminated against because I was fat. It was then that I realized the idealistic beauty standards prevalent in mainstream media. After a few traumatizing events I decided to paint Black bodies, which was an extension of the celebration I found in Black communities in the south. I wouldn’t label myself an activist of any sort. I’m a fat Black woman who exists and happens to paint. I think the whole-body positivity movement is gimmicky at times. I think the movement has gone a bit too mainstream and is now used as a marketing tool to capitalize from bigger bodies. It’s not necessarily a tool that is used to make space for plus sized people like it used to be.
PAINTING BY DEJA PATTERSON
What piece would you say meant the most to you, whether when you were creating it or after its completion. What makes it so important?
DEJA: I honestly don’t have much emotional attachment to my pieces. I constantly think about how I can improve my techniques and concepts. I look at some of my old work and think to myself, “Oh you can do better than that now!” It’s funny because I go to places where my work is hung, and I have no recollection of making it. Once I’m done-I’m done. Heavy on the ON TO THE NEXT!
How did your childhood upbringing affect your outlook on life?
I grew up in a very Christian home. When my mother moved to Mississippi from the South Side of Chicago, we lived with an apostle for about 5 years. Even though I was immersed in such a tight knit culture that was centered in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, I was never influenced by it. Despite growing up attending 2-3 church services each week, I questioned the existence of God from an early age. I was reprimanded for my thoughts and lack of belief in certain conservative ideals by the church. I’d say these experiences prompted me to think for myself, regardless of what is being told to me. I question everyone and everything!
Outside of your home life, what artistic inspirations did you have growing up in Mississippi?
My mother enrolled me in the Clinton Public School District when I was 13. They had a decent art program in their schools juxtapose to the district I left. I always looked forward to taking art classes throughout the day. I enjoyed making work to compete in the Scholastic Art Competitions too! Each year those teachers were working hard towards our artistic excellence.
When you look out into the world today, who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by popular culture and social media. I love scrolling on Instagram and seeing what other creatives are working on. For me it sometimes feels like a virtual studio visit. Whenever I get a bit lazy, I think to myself, “Okay bitch, that’s enough rest, you’ve got work to make!”
PAINTING BY DEJA PATTERSON
How has your perspective changed since you began creating?
I used to believe artists were widely successful strictly due to talent and merit. After moving to NYC almost 6 years ago, I have come to the realization that most opportunities come to artists because of the network and social circles they are in. The old saying, “It’s not what you know it’s who you know!” rings true.
If you saw your artwork at a gallery as a casual observer, who would you say the artist is at their core? What is their reason for creating?
I’m not one of those sappy artists who try to overanalyze every component of an artwork or a show. I am a fan of art for art’s sake. Sometimes people create things just because they look good. Not everything has to have a deep meaning, I can appreciate a piece of work that doesn’t have a thoughtful layer attached to it. I’d assume the artist is Black or is interested in Black culture.
Many studies have shown the therapeutic properties of painting and creating art in general. When painting is your career, however; I wonder how painting affect your mental health?
I’ll admit that painting is much more fun when it’s a hobby and not a job. Anything is more enjoyable when you do it leisurely. I have a full time “day job” working in art administration for a prominent artist. I must work around my time commitment there and put myself on a painting schedule. On the weekends I allot 3-4 hours each day to lock myself in the studio and focus on my practice. Juggling my busy schedule and making time for what is important can be overwhelming but worth it. It doesn’t affect my mental health-it challenges it.
In the inverse, how does your mental health affect your painting?
When there are no deadlines to beat, painting can be a joy. Nothing is more soothing than drinking tequila and orange juice, listening to a Dateline podcast and painting. It’s my happy place if I have a chill weekend or day. I like to continuously be stimulated and that’s a great way to take care of that!
What do you want to be known for?
I want to be known for being unapologetic, courageous and for taking risks. Just know I’m bout that life and I ain’t scared.
Do you have any new projects underway?
Just in time for Pride Month, I will complete a mini-series as an ode to the drag queens from my hometown in Jackson, Mississippi. From the time I was 18-20 years old, I frequented a gay club called Club Metro Reloaded. Every Saturday night there was a competitive drag show, full of fun festive queers. I’ve since grown out the club scene, but I want to pay homage to the performers who have entertained and inspired me during that time.
What is the best advice you can give to a Black Artist entering the professional art world?
I’d advise them to network their asses off. Take time to research any opportunities, grants, and funds out there that are dedicated to helping emerging Black artists. Get involved in the art community where you live. If you live in or around NYC, you are at a major advantage!
What’s NEXT in your CREATIVE JOURNEY?
There’s my plan then there’s the universe’s plan. I honestly don’t know. We gon’ see!
