Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenyatta Crisp.
Hi Kenyatta, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
How it all started for me was really taking an interest in fine arts and photography. My passion for photography came into focus (no pun intended) back in 2012, where I bought my first digital camera by Nikon. My love for photography continued as I pursued a fine Arts degree in 2015 at Cleveland State University. From there, I started my own business under the name “The Hood Gallery Studios.” I wanted to do commercial photography and commissions to make money at that time, but things weren’t working out for me. I tried to incorporate my creative skills through merchandise, which garnered a little bit of success, but in the end, I was faced with failure. I became I graveyard buried with ideas. I was conflicted with the task of being a starving artist or working in a studio doing commercial work to pay the bills; Burdened with this all while attending school. Eventually, in 2019, I rebranded myself as 28karatblack and took a new direction in my career as an artist. The many ideas I sat on for years came into fruition. My art and cultural influences took over. My work began to embody the heritage of me and my blackness.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of my biggest struggles as an artist is finding balance. Trying to work as a full-time educator while pursuing my passion hasn’t been the easiest path. What has helped me in this process has been the support of my wife. She has helped me integrate both my passion and work together, creating the ICARY Project. ICARY is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting artist fellowship and self-expression amongst youth. From photography to tech development, dance, and even theatre, the program has helped many young leaders find their path in the arts since 2021.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
“As I continue my journey as a visual artist, I celebrate the diversity of life and experience through the eyes of black America. Through the medium of portraiture, I aim to capture the depth and resilience of black identity, illuminating the nuanced emotions, histories, and cultures within the frames of my work. My lens became my tool for empowerment, creating a space where beauty, strength, and vulnerability coexist. Each portrait is a tribute to the richness of black heritage, inviting dialogue, recognition, and appreciation for the multifaceted narratives within the black community. This has become therapy for me. I’m most proud of how my work has grown. My work is an extension of who I am and all that surrounds me. I not only shoot digitally but I also shoot medium format film and 35mm. Shooting in black and white is what I’m most known for and has set me apart from many others.”
How do you think about luck?
“My biggest token of luck has to be my circle and support system. Those who have genuinely supported my business not based on notoriety but having a true love for what I create. Having that love for my style of work not just because they need a picture taken or shopping for the cheapest price but having a love for my composition and delivery. What I make is visually pleasing, and the way I photograph is how people want to be remembered.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.28k.black
- Instagram: @28karatblack
