“I have been creating literally my entire life and came to the early realization that being a creator is what I ultimately wanted to do.”
“The fusion of the present and past through mythology or historical references is a technique I utilize to help people of the African diaspora remember who they are.”
It all started when…
SOULDEGA: Who are you, where are you from and how did your artistic journey begin?
MERE: My name is Watson Mere, I am a visual artist from the town of Belle Glade, FL. I am currently living and working in Brooklyn, NY. My journey as an artist began basically at the beginning of my life. I was unable to speak until the age of 5 so teachers taught me to draw in order to communicate around the age of 2. I eventually learned how to talk but I have been using art to communicate ever since.
SOULDEGA: What do you feel your art expresses about you as an individual?
MERE: I oftentimes consciously and subconsciously place pieces and aspects of myself into the work but generally I feel that my art expresses my observations of this reality, this world. A majority of my pieces are just me placing a mirror in front of the world and allowing it to see the details of its beauty, its pain, its strength, its complexities, its ugliness.
SOULDEGA: Your work incorporates the past and present of Black people and you use a lot of ancient symbolism/references into your works. What are some of the messages you strive to convey in your paintings with your style?
MERE: The fusion of the present and past through mythology or historical references is a technique I utilize to help people of the African diaspora remember who they are. To assist them in remembering that those mythological stories are about them. We simply forgot. Imagery is a very powerful tool because of its ability to embed messages and codes into the psyche and ultimately the soul of the viewer. As a visual artist, I feel that it is my responsibility to utilize this gift to assist in this remembrance process.
SOULDEGA: What has been your most memorable experience in your art journey/career?
MERE: The most memorable experience would have to be in the fall of 2018 when I left my job in Philadelphia, PA, and moved to New York City to chase the childhood dream of being an artist. I didn’t really have a plan and barely knew anyone in the city but the spirit told me to go, so I listened.
SOULDEGA: What inspires you to continue to create?
MERE: Honestly, it is more-so purpose-related. I have been creating literally my entire life and came to the early realization that being a creator is what I ultimately wanted to do. The entire process of creating from being inspired and receiving a vision for a new piece, to working on manifesting the piece, to finally presenting it at an exhibition or privately is something that breathes life into my existence.
SOULDEGA: What piece of work has been most challenging and why?
MERE: I would have to say the most current pieces that I am working on. I am trying to experiment with a new style and new mediums due to the fact that I want to evolve my style and subject matter but the mental blocks and trying to avoid going back to what I am comfortable with has been a bit challenging.
SOULDEGA: Your work inspires a critical look at love within the Black community. How does your work like "EDEN" AND "A New Day" speak to you on a personal level?
MERE: A good amount of my work focuses on black love because I feel like there are so many directions you can go with that due to the fact that our relationship with one another is intricate yet simple. Creating around this muse that is the entanglement of the black man and woman often time provokes emotion in the viewer whether this is a positive or negative emotion. This is typically swayed by the viewer's own experiences or perspectives.
Pieces like “EDEN” or an “A New Day” are definitely examples of me creating off the spirit of this muse. Both pieces definitely speak to me on a personal level since the two are slight reflections of my own experiences. Both also play with themes that I’ve seen and wish to see in our community.
SOULDEGA: If there was an artist living or deceased that you would like to collaborate with, who would it be?
MERE: It would have to be Bob Marley. I would love the opportunity to create the album art for a new album of his or something and base the imagery off the vibrations I’m feeling from the new music. I’ve been a huge fan of his music for a large portion of my life when I discovered the way his sound had this magical ability to soothe my nerves and relax me in any situation. So working with him and even just having the chance to have a conversation with him and taking in that wisdom would be amazing.