Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Hinds Jr.
Hi Anthony, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
So I started drawing like everyone when I was pretty young around pre k or kindergarten, but I never stopped I kept drawing things I saw and doodling from time to time from my imagination, but around second grade going into third grade drawing became a coping mechanism for me when I was witnessing my mom go through serious mental health struggles. Creating art was something I could focus my mind on during those rough years of witnessing her lose control of her mind, but it later became more than just a coping mechanism, I actually fell in love with creating art. Around fifth grade going into middle school is when I knew I was in love with creating art and I wanted to develop my craft further so my fifth grade art teacher Ms. Ignacio made sure I made it into the Norland Middle School magnet art program. I’m so grateful for her because she saw my talent, skills and my love and passion for creating art and she didn’t hesitate to make sure I was set up for success and I will always be grateful to her. Later I attended Dr. Michael Krop Sr. High School magnet art program and continued to develop my skills. After high school and even now in my early adulthood I’m independently still creating art and on the path to becoming a full time artist.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say it’s been a bumpy road really.
The biggest struggle I faced was losing my grandmother 2 years ago which made me take a slight pause when it came to creating and marketing myself for a few months. She was definitely my biggest supporter and it was like I lost a part of myself when she passed so it was a rough year, but I took all of that pain and turned it into a painting that I am very proud of called Breaking Point. Other challenges were just learning the business of the art world and of course facing the rejections of different opportunities, but I’m grateful for my friends and family and the community of artists in my corner that continue to support and help me along my journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a multimedia visual artist, but for the past few years my medium of choice has been acrylic painting. My work consists of portraits of African American men and women. When it comes to my art I use African American men and women as the main subjects for my art to tell stories from things going on in the world to different things going on in my day to day life. I’m proud of how my art has deeper meaning behind it and that I’m pushing the boundaries of what I’m used to creating. Something that sets me apart from others is my resilience despite the struggles I faced growing up witnessing my mothers mental health struggles and even now losing my grandmother I still fight and go after my goals to create the life that I envision and to inspire others to go for their goals.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I listen to podcasts on occasion the few I want to shout out is Unpack with cat, Black wealth renaissance, and Social proof. Unpack with cat is amazing podcast hosted by Catherine Volcy and her podcasts are about health and wellness and different topics related to women, but also to the male audience. Black wealth renaissance and social proof are all about business and just opening my mind to being a better business owner and just setting myself up for success. Even though I listen to podcasts I’d have to say I’m more of a music person. Music has really been something that along with art gets me through a lot and just uplifts my mood. Some of my favorite artists are J Cole, Leon Thomas, Jhene Aiko, Coco Jones, Tems, Kendrick Lamar and many more. These artists music really inspire and uplift me when I’m creating and I believe their music adds a little something to my work because it uplifts my mood so much.
Pricing:
- Art print: Blue Aura $84.99
- Art print: Endless $84.99
- Art print: Emerald City $84.99
- Art print: Red Blaze $84.99
- Art print: Dynasty $84.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://antsartzone.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antsartzone/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@antsartzone?si=WGd3jBOF1yM3PTHY
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@antsartzone
Image Credits
Kayla La’rae Studios and Ant’s Art Zone
