Eric's Perspective : A podcast series on African American art Eric Hanks

In this episode, Eric sits down with the talented and celebrated artist Bernard Stanley Hoyes. They discuss his experience of growing up in Jamaica and discovering his passion for art. Working in carpentry, to transitioning into sculpture and painting. His unique upbringing and exposure to the Revival culture and spirituality… moving to the United States, his education in the arts and being taught by renowned artists. How he transitioned into becoming a professional artist; exhibiting and sel...

In this episode, Eric sits down with AAA certified art appraiser, friend and colleague… Pamela Brown. They discuss her educational background and her love of history, research and learning… especially related to African American culture. How she first became interested and exposed to the arts including new and emerging artists. Her educational background, working in the corporate world — to eventually devoting herself to art full-time. How her love of research and learning lead to becoming an...

In this episode, Eric sits down with renowned author Peter J. Harris. They discuss his early beginnings; from having been born in Washington D.C, studying journalism at Howard University to eventually pursuing a career as a writer. They discuss his personal life and how he first developed an interest in poetry — meeting influential artists and master poets who inspired him. How poetry served as a vehicle to express himself in order to explore social and personal ideas… and cultivating his own...

In this episode, Eric sits down with Executive Director of the nonprofit Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles; Keasha Dumas Heath. They discuss her passion for storytelling, affinity for poetry and the interconnectivity of the arts. The history and legacy of the museum, including the founder Dr. Samella Lewis… the role that MAAA has played in the community as a cultural institution and sharing African American art and culture with the public. The various permanent collections in thei...

In this episode, Eric sits down with author, media personality and art collector; Alvin Hall. They discuss his early beginnings — growing up in Florida during the Jim Crow era, his educational journey and early exposures to art. The artists who inspired him and helped cultivate his knowledge and appreciation for the artistic process. How he began collecting black and white photography and prints, his passion for writing, his career as a financial writer and becoming a patron of the arts. The ...

In this episode, Eric sits down with acclaimed artist Kenneth Gatewood. They discuss the role that his parents played in encouraging him to pursue art and his early beginnings as an artist. Growing up in South Central LA and the artists that influenced him. Being an artist, managing himself and the importance of presentation. Gatewood’s artistic process, working with watercolor and his signature work; including his iconic "Baby Series" that use children as a subject matter. Creating art...