Jonte Drew Interviewed by Jersey Arts

Nov 3rd, 2022

By Rachel Alban

JerseyArts.com interviewed our collaborative artist, Jonte Drew, to talk about him on feeling like a “Black Sheep” and the power of arts education.

JA: The black lamb is a recurring symbol throughout several bodies of work. Tell me more about what the black lamb means to you.

JD: We all have a younger self that we tend to carry through our lives, and the lamb represents mine. I pretty much grew up feeling like the “black sheep” of my family and I wanted to embody that feeling in my work. Also, I am African American and the sheep is black, so I often play with that.

… All of these settings were really important for me as an African American boy. Experiences in these places kind of shaped me and molded me, although I often felt like an outsider and disconnected from my community.

“The Benchwarmer” Oil and acrylic on canvas

JA: A lot of people stop making art after college. Why do you think that is? And what was different for you?

JD: I think a lot of people buy into the myth of the “starving artist.” They don’t see art as a viable career. But, this is the one space in life that I am confident. I know what I want to say and how to communicate visually. I take a lot of pride in that. I never wanted to do anything else. Art is what saved me and keeps me sane. Art keeps me alive.

High and Bye! Pastel on watercolor paper Presented by VillageOneArt

Read more at JerseyArts.com