What is the best thing that I love about my work?

The beat thing I love about my work is how it bring out emotion in people. I also, love the fact that it sparks conversation that people are afraid to talk about. But because of the visual I feel it allows people to really expound on the injustice in a different way that people don’t always think of in our realm.

What is my idea of happiness?

Happiness to me would be to be and live free. I say this because in the western world we work to pay bills, we work to live, and me I want to be able to be financial stable where there is no rat race for me and the people I am with. I want to be able to live and raise kids without the hassle of being worried where and if I am going to be laid off or fired. Happiness to me come in full freedom.

What is my greatest fear?

My biggest fear is that my art will not be seen and represented in the public where I believe it can make a change in this world. I believe I was given the concept that it could make people understand life for Black People differently. I believe that it was giving to create change in this world between races. For me my biggest fear is to die and not see it make the impact that it should even if it’s just the conversation that it can spark.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

My procrastination in myself is the most deplorable trait I have. Sometimes I feel I could or should be doing more or doing something and I put it off til the last minute. That is a discipline that I have to work on. Because I want to succeed in this field. I want to make this art work for me and I don’t want to be the reason I didn’t make it.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?

Kerry James Marshall is one and Kara Walker is the other. The reason is because these two artist have taken Black art to another level to me. Another is Faith Ringgold who I have had the chance to actually speak to and she has used through her art images to show America its injustices to Black people in a way that’s extreme. I love them and their art, and I appreciate them paving a way.

What is my greatest extravagance?

I’m not an extravagant spender. But if I could say anything I would have to say the two acres of land that I purchased at a young age. To me being able to have your own is mandatory. One day I would like to have as much land as the eye can see. I want to leave it to my family and be able to leave a legacy. So my land.

On what occasion would I lie?

I’m not normally a liar but if I found myself in trouble with the law I would most definitely try to secure my freedom. But I wouldn’t lie on anyone to secure it.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

Sometimes I dislike the fact that no one really appreciates pastel as much as paint. So the fact that these aren’t painted as for now is something I dislike. Then I think back and realize that the medium that I use is fast for me and it works, and I have been told that I do fairly well with them.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

To inform you I did 13 years in prison and this is where my art was created. Even though it wasn’t the most pleasant time in my life I can say that it was a time that I was able to create so it was a happy moment because without it I wouldn’t have created this collection.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

I wouldn’t change nothing because I am who i am suppose to be. Through my trials and tribulations the caterpillar became the butterfly. I love the things I have seen and my experiences. It makes me the man I am today. Wouldn’t change nothing.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

As of now my 48 piece collection “Walk a Mile In Our Shoes and You Will Understand From Whence We Came” is my greatest achievement, and the book that’s based on it that I am working on publishing. It is also the reason you and I are talking now.
I believe one day I will travel around the world because of it. So far I have been in two exhibitions and have set up a few more because of it. It’s amazing when you really look at it

Where would I most like to live?

I want to go back home to my hometown and live, but I have to venture out spread my wings and finish growing before I return. But that’s where I most would love to reside. I love it there.

What is my most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is my 48 piece collection. It something God gave me to bring an impact upon the world and I am trying with everything in me to accomplish that goal. I have other collections but this is not just the biggest but the most impactful because of what it’s states without words.

What is my most marked characteristic?

My most marked characteristic is me getting to know people. I believe it’s imperative to get to know people that you encounter. People are special and it’s exciting when you allow their lives to impact you or you impact theirs. I love people.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

I would have to say the African American Museum because you truly get to see history that was hidden or untold. You get to see the beauty that these people have created in the midst of struggle. It’s remarkable.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?

I’m not a person who has a favorite. I’m trying different things and am still learning a lot about this city. The foods the culture. It’s all new. So that’s something I can’t really answer.

What books influenced my life and how?

Soul on Ice, From Superman to Man, Think and Grow Rich,
Unlimited Power A Black Choice, Message to the Black Man, etc. During my incarceration I read many books but these are just a few that stays on my mind and there is one more The Prosperity Bible

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

I would probably listen to 2 PAC, Nas, Lil Boosie, and some Marvin Gaye

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

It is a character in the book From Superman to man, unfortunately I can’t remember his name but this character in this book is extremely humble, smart, and very extreme in the way he combats the stereotypes in the book. This is a must read to all.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

Martin Luther King Jr, Malcom X, The Black Panther, and all of the people who fought for the liberties that I am able to experience today. Those are my heroes. Because had it not been for some of them life would be the same as when my parents were growing up.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?

There is a movie by the name of “White Man’s Burden” whole the acting may not be the best it is the concept for which is spectacular.

What role plays art in my life and work?

Art is my cornerstone. It is what I feel I was created to do and what will leave my legacy because I am what I would like to say an activist who is using his art to create change in an old mentality.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?

To me this phrase tells what I can do with my life. I was a drug dealer in my youth. Now I have changed to better the lives of some that I have destroyed. I want to be that person that people see and know that if I can do it they can. For I am the storyteller of the life I have and will live. God has given me the pencil to write it out. That is your choices you make and the opportunities you apprehend.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

Her name is Washika Arnold. She is a special person who has helped me along this journey and I want her to know that she will forever be appreciated because without her. A lot of this wouldn’t have been done. Even when she didn’t want to do she has done. I appreciate her dedication.

Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020?

To name a few Charles Krause, Mel Hardy who is a collector, Ted Ellis who is an artist and collector, Art Basel in Miami, Smithsonian of African American Museum, Kara Walker, Kerry James Marshal, and I would have loved to meet David Driskill but he just passed (R.I.P).

Which people in my profession who can make a real difference in my creative career would i love to meet in 2020?

I would love to meet Harry Belafonte, Ted Ellis face to face, Kara Walker, Kerry James Marshall. These people are pillars in the Black art world and I would love to soak up whatever knowledge I can from them to progress my art as well.

What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on?

I will continue to expand the “Walk a Mile In Our Shoes” exhibit because it has many more steps that could bring to full circle. Not just do you want to show the injustices but now it’s time to show what has been done in the midst of the injustices. Like how you have succeeded in it. What accomplishments you have done. All of that need to be addressed as well.

Where can you see me or my work in 2020?

You can follow my instagram page walkers_gallery2 or go on my website walkersgallery.net

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

To me this means if you truly have a passion to do something it will never go away. For instance let’s look at Jordan. How many times did he retire and I’m sure even now he is still doing something dealing with basketball and that goes for Floyd Mayweather as well. People who truly love what they do never stop.

Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story?

He should bring on Kerry James Marshall, Kara Walker

How can you contact me?

You can contact me through Instagram walkers_gallery2 my website walkersgallery.net
My email Carlos.walker1981@icloud.com, or call 5713003131