Today we’d like to introduce you to Lex Lowry.
Lex, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I think my story is not any different than the average person. Like any child growing up, I was in search for some form of escapism, allow my imagination wander. Film and television gave me that escapism through their stories. Visual storytelling has helped shape me throughout my life as it has shaped all of us and continues to do that. Whether the story is appealing to a young or old audience, it gives us a perception to a reality we aspire. Considering all of that, it led me to act out the characters that intrigued me as I was watching and reenacting their scenes. I enjoyed doing that so much it aspired me to try acting. I took lessons, later on, participated in middle school and high school theatre. I began writing my own material which I grew a liking to as well. Like any person as they mature, there’s a moment of second guessing if this route was unattainable.
I was attending Miami-Dade College, undecided of a major. Two semesters later I chose to pursue a career in film. After earning my degree, I started to do freelance videography. I’ve done a couple of gigs and music videos for local artist known as “Ant1Won” artist and an Interview with another known as “Mali MicWrekka”. I even had an opportunity to assist BET news with getting coverage at the American Black Film Festival a few months ago. Sadly those opportunities come every so often. I keep myself busy with a part-time job when I don’t have gigs, and I work on re-editing my scripts and forming new ones. Some people reading this may question how this new commitment would be any more achievable than my prior interest? The answer I would give doesn’t pertain to my expectation for higher notoriety. It pertains to what I would want to leave behind for generations to see. I would say I was in conflict.
During that downtime in writing new material. I skimmed through articles to look for more ideas. From there I began doing more knowledge of self of my African history. It led me to documentaries as well. It was hard for me to fathom how many historical discoveries that I’ve come across were never mentioned in mainstream media. It honestly had me shed a tear the amount of information uncovered. I would ask myself, why has this been hidden? It unlocked a deeper desire to strive to create linear story through an angle that can engage the youth since I am a millennial. I developed a stronger sense of purpose to unveil what I knew needed to be told. I’ve come to the realization throughout my studies and thereafter, this is not just a field to demonstrate the talents I’ve cultivated. I have a responsibility to present stories that’ll bring forth awareness and truth. I have an even greater duty to find and invent more stories that I hope will properly educate, enlighten, and provide a new escapism for people of my ethnicity. One that’ll move us forward to shape new realities not only for the benefit of my people but for all of humankind. I’m ecstatic because I’ve just begun scratching the surface.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I’m in the process of creating a documentary that explores our rarely shared history, when our SunShine State of Florida was once colonized by the Spaniards (who in 1492 were the first to initiate colonization and slavery of African people after conquering the North African Moors that ruled Spain 10 years prior) during the 16th to early 19th Century before the English Colonies took over the territory and claimed it’s statehood. The motivation that had me pursue to make this documentary was a story I came across in the Miami Herald that was published three years ago.
The article was addressing a high school World Geography textbook “whitewashing” slave history according to Roni Dean-Burren who was a former teacher. She claims their textbooks referred African, chattel slaves as paid workers. It caught my attention because even when I attended school, yes they would cover the historical nature of chattel slavery under the British colonies in the South and how black slaves escaped to the north. However, they didn’t cover the “nature’ of slavery within our own state and its involvement considering it is part of the South. The fact that three years ago in 2015 these kids are being fed the misinformation was baffling to me. It made me ponder if I was also a victim of falsehood and miseducation. I then asked myself, how many more children that are attending school are being fed this historical inaccuracy in 2018.
The message I hope people will take is not just the cliche theme of “know your history, or you’re doomed to repeat it”. Although it is an important one, It is imperative to inspire African Americans to better understand they’ve subconsciously accepted their current state of being individual. However, their status as a collective socially, politically and economically in terms of quality freedom and human rights have remained the same. What should be known about my upcoming work is that I intend it to be “broaden the vistas”. Especially when we’re dealing with the truth. If an audience is willing to truly learn and understand what I’m willing to reveal, I pray their minds will be somewhat liberated enough to motivate reeducating one’s self on the miseducation of history that was taught throughout their time in grade school or in other higher institutions of learning.
The stereotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
I would first like to make them aware that they’re not alone, I understand and empathize with their concerns. My advice is to stay positive, be diligent as well as patient. Let your passion drive you towards your goal. An artist’s path is going to experience a good amount of controversy and pitfalls where tough skin is needed. A lot of greats had to struggle, probably had to compromise and work a low wage job before they became who they are. You should not be ashamed of your current position. Embrace that part of your journey because it can inspire others to uplift themselves. Try to prioritize your funds what you’ll need for your craft. Keep in mind, certain sacrifices are going to have to be made, but it’s going to be worth it in the end.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
An independent website is currently under development, and I plan to crowdfund for this film. I would advise the people to be on the lookout for sites such as Indiegogo, Kickstarter and other various crowdfunding platforms where they can go to support my upcoming film as it is in its pre-production stage.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lexlowry.com
- Phone: 305-469-2632
- Email: lex.lowrypro@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexlowryprod/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCLV13ISTqXKe84mLMiIbaA?view_as=subscriber
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
