Today we’d like to introduce you to Djerlens Chery.
Djerlens, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a 23-year-old Haitian-American artist. I was born in Boston, MA but raised in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Ever since I was six years old I have been drawing all my life. Growing up, I didn’t take my art seriously until I enrolled in an art magnet middle school (Allapattah Middle). Later on, I studied visual art at Dillard High School/Center for the Arts from 2011-2015 and that is when art became my soul passion because of my teachers Celestin Joseph and Barbara Mazur motivated me to the highest.
I continued my education in the Visual Arts & Design Academy (VADA) at Broward College and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at Florida International University (FIU). My art has been displayed at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens Orchid Festival, Young at Art Museum, Made in Broward, Joseph C. Carter Park, Parker Playhouse, K.C. Wright Art Show, FatVillage Artwalks, and I painted several murals in the City of Fort Lauderdale. I am an art instructor for the Parks & Recreation Department of the City of Fort Lauderdale where I teach young children, teens, and seniors.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My experience living as an artist, I went through a lot of obstacles but I am grateful for them because I took it as a life lesson to work as a full-time artist. One of my biggest challenges growing up is the critical opinions I received from others, many individuals told me “You can’t make a living as an artist”, “You will not make any money out of it”, and the lists goes on and on. I decided to ignore all those voices because I knew I had the potential to succeed. I think a lot of artists could relate to this but my message to all artists is don’t let others put you down and make you feel like your craft is useless. I strongly believe that if any artists treat their talent as a business instead of a hobby, then they should become full-time entrepreneurs themselves.
Also what helped me through my struggles were mentors. I had several mentors in my life that encouraged me and they shared with me their knowledge. What I learned is that, as long as you continue working on your craft opportunities will come to you. There are people that will take chances with you. I remember when I first started painting murals, my credentials and experience were not enough to receive a big mural job. Fortunately for me, the owner (Miguel Pilgram) of NYSW Jazz Lounge took a chance with me even though he was looking at other muralists that had a lot more experience and credentials. I am really thankful for the opportunity he gave me to showcase my artistic talents, and up and coming artists should know that there are people out there who will support you in your artistic endeavors.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
I am primarily a muralist. During the development of a concept, I begin research of the site in collaboration with local residents in order to provide a contextual framework for the work. In this process, I seek out historical, environmental or cultural phenomena that have the potential to create unique identifiers for the community. The intent is to look for connections that will create a unique sense of place. Art can be used as a means to influence reflections on community and social issues, connecting and overcoming obstacles.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I didn’t have access to the internet or cable at home. So I would always go out to the park with my older brother and play basketball until we were tired. As a child, I will always draw what I see around me, eventually, that made my drawings better overtime. I possessed a calm personality, so I always get along with others well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.djtheartiste.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @djtheartiste
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