Meet Robert Deshaies II | Author of Adam & Eternity, Blackjack – 22: Modern Poetry, Anthology, The Living Death, Siblings & more.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert Deshaies II and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
In one word? Change. Since the birth of my conceptual thinking, I persistently wondered what actual change is? How can I change myself, my world, and my perceptions to conceive not only a universal message but a profoundly human one? Compromised of many complexities, my life, for the most part, is a series of stories weaved and interconnected with time, history, and the people that surrounded me. With all of these complexities, I fixate on one idea: change. From deep reflection to exterior observation and an obscene amount of analysis on the world’s systems and my perceptions of those systems, I have found one recurring node, one inspiring topic that has produced a path to consistent, unwavering change. From the inspiring works of avant-gardes artists in the 20th century to historical revolutionists documenting inspiring flame to empire builders at the pinnacle of their achievement, Art presents itself as the conduit for change, and this pursuit has changed my life. My creative practices center around this impactful ideal, for how does art aid introspection? How does Art portray our conceptions of the world? How can Art change me into a better man? I’m not sure there are any universal answers, but Art has given me the vision to see there are universal narratives. We all construct narratives that help us perceive how change comes about, and the stories I create detail the change that occurs when individuals, the world, and the systems we’ve created use Art for change. Art is the desirous agent, the seat of passion, to pursue a meaningful career dedicated to changing not only myself but the way change, through Art, can impact the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a self-professed modern Romantic, my work strives to combine art, literature, and philosophy for everyone. I want to conceptualize the human experience in various art forms, whether in comics, prose, painting, or poetry. I do not confine myself to one category or genre and work persistently on growing my creativity, my actions, and my field of work. Like Wolfgang Von Goethe, Leonardo Da Vinci, and William Blake, I desire to be an artist that speaks to the heart, the mind, and the soul. Influenced by various pathways of art, my work reflects a deep introspection into the self, and our larger selves as webs in a universal mystery. How do we fit together? How do we impact one another? Why do we act the way we do? These are the questions I want to answer professionally and creatively while convincing my audience of the narrative placed before their eyes. My previous works, Adam & Eternity, Blackjack-22, and the Living Death, are all dedicated to this platform.

Of late, I’ve been working on various projects. From personal paintings to graphic novels and my upcoming novel, Passages, I aim for tireless work. Flooding my life with creative pursuits has been consistently inspiring but rarely proves easy. It’s a challenge to tackle the number of projects I do, but I found the busyness keeps me on my toes. It helps shift my perspectives to view all the projects at once and individually. It challenges me to swim farther than I should, to question, answer, and theorize where we can go. It practically drives me insane, but my best work rises in that frantic yet collected state.

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?
You’re visiting LA? Here’s my advice, skip the tourist destinations. Visit the museums. LACMA, the Getty Museum, and the Getty Villa will inspire you. Walk the streets, go to that mom & pop on the corner. Stay on the ground and not in the skyrise. Walk Malibu’s beaches, enjoy the varied sunsets on Santa Monica’s pier, venture into the Hollywood hills, but most of all, go with someone who finds the adventure in the little things.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s good to reflect on your heroes, the individuals who inspired you to be who you are now. For me, my Dad has long been the inspiration for a meaningful career. Pushing me to be the best man I can be, the best human I can be, my Dad has long been the Superman I want to embody, the Superman flying high under the shining sun. As a provider, a protector, and a natural leader, his actions inspire my work on an inherently deep level. A level that has shaped me into who I am. As his eldest of three, I’ve long been the conduit for action, and this principle has helped me shine. My heroes have always been complex ones. Because of my Dad, I found strength alone is not the answer to life, nor a meaningful career. From his lessons, I have found the answer lies in conviction, desire, and resilience to continue to act. My Dad has long been the man to help me recognize the persistence needed in my career and my responsibility towards people, the saving principle, the guiding light of my life and work.

Website: rjdeshaiesiiwriting.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-deshaies-ii-7105601a7/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/robby_deshaies_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robbydeshaies

Other: amazon author page – https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B08DHKWYBV