Today we’d like to introduce you to Dyymond Whipper-Young.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It all began in 5th grade I would doodle on my assignments that I would complete early and after a while, my teacher would not only grade my assignment but she began giving me feedback on the drawings I would create. I was raised in Baltimore, MD and as I got older I realized I didn’t want to go to the schools in the surrounding areas so I was determined to try out for a magnet school.
My teachers always played a big role in my excelling as an artist. In 6th grade, I began attending school for fine arts so I have identified as an artist for the majority of my life. My whole life, I was surrounded by very talented artists but it wasn’t until I went to Temple University. I realized just how talented I was.
There I was truly cultivated not only as an artist but as an entrepreneur. I was homecoming Queen so I was far from shy and my network allowed me to work with many different celebrities and brands including, Cardi B, Common, Larry Fitzgerald, Fetty wap, Elaine Welteroth, etc. I have also worked with brands such as Shea moisture, Puma, NAACP, and Los Angeles Urban League. While in college, I also began curating start shows specifically themed around supporting local entrepreneurs and supporting and respecting women through art. I have shown my work in over 50 major events across the country in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and Atlanta. Now I am an artist, curator and educator passionate about uplifting women through art and building the future of what our creative economy will look like years from now.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The hardest part of the journey has been learning to get out of my own way and actually staying out of it. I was an excuse maker; I had every reason in the book to think of why I couldn’t do something. One day I looked up and realized that I was actually better at making excuses than I was at actually putting a plan together and strategizing, it had become second nature. A big realization that I had was that I was carrying fears around that didn’t apply to me and projecting them on to my life. That is when I began to deeply self reflect not only on myself but on all of my past experiences and tackling the fear and trauma head on. Although this is a life long journey, it is something I am committed to because you need a sturdy foundation to build anything that is long-lasting.
Please tell us more about your art.
I am an artist, I specialize in painting, murals, sculptures and live painting. One thing that sets me apart is that I don’t let my art define who I am, I define what my art is. My personality is very electric and magnetic. I live through connecting with people through my art and you can feel that energy in any room I walk into. Not only do I put myself into art but I love being able to capture other people’s stories through art. I love being able to especially capture black experiences through art. As a company, I am happy with how many people I have been able to introduce to art whether it be children or adults. Sometimes art can be seen as this untouchable thing where you have to be of a certain status or skill level to involve yourself in but this is untrue. Art should be and is accessible to all and I will make sure it stays that way.
What were you like growing up?
Dope as hell! Haha in all seriousness, I’ve always considered myself very wise and I never took anything for granted, always trusting the flow of the universe. There would be times where my friends would say things like I can’t wait to grow up and do what I want and I would just respond like, y’all know we’re gonna have to pay bills when we grow up, right? I’ve always been very well at living in the moment and enjoying my child-like state. Even now at the big age of 24, you still may still catch me skipping down the street humming my favorite song because why not? One thing my mother always told me growing up was to never let anyone still my joy and it wasn’t until I got older I realized how many joy snatchers are really out here but luckily, I got this thing on lock.
Contact Info:
- Website: dwhppart.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: dyymondwy
- Twitter: dwhpp
Image Credit:
Personal photo- Ritchie King
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