Meet Willie Thomas

We had the good fortune of connecting with Willie Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Willie, what do you want people to remember about you?
When it comes to my art, I believe it transcends time so I hope it will outlive me in either someone’s house, a museum, or a gallery. I hope my artwork inspired many generations specifically on how they view the world and what they see as art. I want my legacy to be social change through art especially in Black and Brown communities. A legacy of aiding young black artists striving in their art careers while navigating a world that doesn’t value black art or black life. I hope to work all over the world and transform communities through art and self belief. Not only do I want people to remember how I taught them art, but more importantly how I made them believe in their artwork and believe in their decisions as an artist. I believe everyone has an untapped creative side, and I want my legacy to be helping people unleash it. I think believing in yourself is the first step as an artist and I want people to remember how I helped them achieve that. Growing up, many people would ask me what I want to do when I grow up and I always say I’m not sure I just want to help people and if I can help as many people as I can through art, then my legacy will be fulfilled. If there’s one thing I want people to remember about me, it is that I did art for the community, not the capital.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Much of my artwork is tied to my identity and community in which I am from. My neighborhood was and still is impacted by gang violence so for me art was not only a hobby but an escape method. At a young age I realized gang life was not for me so I used art to stay away from it. Growing up a closeted queer black kid in Compton was never easy so I always used to use art to express myself and emotions which is something that I still use today. Art is not only a career but a constant therapy tool and whenever I feel like I can communicate how I feel, I create a piece about it. Although my neighborhood has its negatives, I’ve always found beauty within my neighborhood which I am always inspired by. For my city of Compton I see the beauty within the struggle and it’s a daily inspiration to me. The stories I hear about Compton, to the people I meet on the train, to the history I’m always fascinated by what I don’t know because there is always more to explore. My parents didn’t have access to art schools or programs so everything I learned about art was through my own self teaching so growing up I always questioned whether self taught artists were “true” artists simply because of society’s perception against them. Furthermore, my parents being busy with work did not understand my importance for art which felt like I didn’t have any support in the beginning so I think for a long time it took me a while to realize my own potential but once I did it felt like a butterfly coming out a cocoon. That feeling of not knowing your worth as an artist can destroy you and as an artist I want to make sure no artist ever feels that way which is why I am so passionate about art teaching because society can make you believe little kids from Compton any black neighborhood that they can’t be artists but I am in fact living proof.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love this question and if you know me, you know I am the itinerary friend but hypothetically speaking if my best friend came into town and LA traffic did not exist for this weekend lol this would be my itinerary. We would start by grabbing a bite at The Breakfast Shack of Normandie and Florence or the Loaded Cafe in Gardena as their breakfast is so good and affordable. Then we would probably visit the Original Muscle Beach Santa Monica. I love working out on the traveling rings and just catching a vibe and working out with the LA locals. We also probably fly some kites as well because why not its the beach you know. Then for lunch/evening we would head to Fukurou Ramen in Thai Town. The service is beyond amazing and it’s such a home and earthy vibe to it. Afterwards, I’d take them down the street to Barnsdall Art Park in East Hollywood to catch the sunset, listen to music, and just talk about life. Once the nightfalls were definitely headed to Sharkeez to pregame in either Hermosa or Manhattan Beach. Call me simple but I love a good ol fashion margarita. A lot of my friends are also artists and creatives so by searching through instagram I know I can find one of my friends either showcasing art, hosting events, or Djing so i’m always looking forward to those events not only to have fun but to support my fellow creatives. Wherever the Black Bass Collective (BBC), No Pressure LA, Hoodrave, and Cuties LA are at, I know these party collectives will show me a good time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to express my gratitude to the Compton Museum. Growing up on the border of Compton and Los Angeles, I found it challenging to see myself as a successful artist due to the lack of artistic role models in my life. This made the pursuit of art seem less attainable than it truly is. My experience with the Compton Museum has been transformative, helping me overcome my imposter syndrome and realize that I, too, can be an artist. It has shown me that my art is just as significant as anyone else’s. The encouragement I received from the Compton Museum came at a crucial time in my life, and since then, my art career has flourished, for which I am deeply thankful. I currently have four pieces featured in the Sacred + Seen Exhibition at the Compton Museum, running until April 26th, alongside three other talented artists. Being part of Compton’s first art show focused on queerness is an incredible experience. I want to thank Mark, Abby, and the entire Compton Museum team for believing in me and my vision for Compton, and for helping me nurture my artistic abilities and community involvement.

Website: https://www.willtakesfilm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willkapedia/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williethomasjr/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dj-willkapedia