Meet Serge Gay Jr. | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Serge Gay Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Serge, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking have always been the biggest thing to me, when I started my career as an artist. I’ve always told myself to not be safe, to not continue doing the same repetitive pattern that is taught in school: “to create one significant style”, that’s just not me and not always true. Risk taking gives me that sense of freedom and makes me this innovative storyteller. Which adds new elements to help me grow as an effective artist and a better human being. Taking risks also helps me do things that are critical in society that is not talked about in this field than doing just pretty art. That joy of creating something outside the box and not caring what critics think of your work. I’ve taken risks my whole life, from the time I left my hometown to go to art school in a new city to, dropping everything to come to California to start over from nothing. Then to stop working for anyone and to create my own path and business. It’s a scary thought. But not taking the risks and dealing with the “what ifs,” are scarier to me then not trying. Especially in this short lifetime when pursuing happiness.

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.
What sets me apart from any other artists is that, I’m just telling my own story and putting it, into my work. Which makes it not that hard-to-get inspiration. Other than my own storytelling, how I got to where I am today professionally… If anybody knows me, knows that I am one of the hardest-working artists, who puts 150% into everything he touches. Something I decided to work on when, I took art seriously as a young child. Had this mentality, If this is my path, I’m going full-on to craft this profession. A mentality I got from my parents, as one of the hardest folks I know. Also, mentally knowing it was not going to be easy, specially being a black person in this field at the time, I knew I had to work harder than most. And before there was social media platforms for talents. People should know that you should always want to challenge yourself and elevate your craft for growth. Lessons I’ve learned and I think artist forget sometimes, is to be better than the last project or work of art. I want people to know that I don’t look back. I look forward to telling new and interesting stories about life in this fascinating and unique world we live in.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a best friend came to visit, then we are going up north from the Bay Area. Like off the north coast in the woods. We are going hiking, staying in a cool cabin on a hillside of the woods, views of the beautiful redwood’s trees. Then exploring the ocean coast, grabbing some fresh seafood and drinks from a local sea cliffside restaurants while absorbing the fresh Cali air. It’s all about nature for me, and less people. Chill time…with tons of hiking.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have the best family and friends; which are my biggest supporters and mentors. I think without their approval and help, I wouldn’t of abled to go far. It’s their love and encouragement that have molded me to what I am today. Just those simple words like “go for it.” Even if it’s not related to my art, you just need any simple support will go a long way. A big thanks to my strong family foundation.

Website: http://sergegayjr.com/index.html

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sergegayjr/?hl=en

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SergeGJ

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSjkSE-76IU

Other: https://www.sergeshop.com/

Image Credits
by Serge Gay Jr.