We recently had the chance to connect with Ravell Robinson 14 and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Ravell, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
So since 2023, I have had a circle of friends that live within Baton Rouge,LA.
And they have inspired me to work harder to grow my artwork. I had a dream in which I was waking up. It was lucid at this point, but it was, about 8 years ago. in which I heard a voice asking me.
Was I still creating art? His voice asked me like 3 more times after that. When I became aware of who was talking to me, I was bewildered that they even knew about my art. Because the person who asked me. Was Pablo Picasso. And I asked him once I became aware of who he was. How did he know that I made art?
I asked Him, how did he know? He didn’t respond to my question. He asked once more time, are you still making art? And my response to that, was yes. and his response to my yes, was in an (angry tone). He said “NO! You don’t make art,You are Art. And when he said that, it made me rethink my whole art career. I’m finally Living up to that point of perspective.
8 years later, I realized what he meant by that because of the people that I’m surrounded by, we exude pure art energy.
And the moments that I’ve had with them have shaped my past. My present, and my future, In Art.
On top of that, I currently got an art studio in New Orleans, Louisiana.
I’m also partnered with Teravarna and Artsy. They are based in California, and Online. It’s surreal because these all happened, Not 2 weeks apart from one another.
Our Art Spot grand opening in New Orleans, is scheduled for September 19th in the New Orleans area. It is located on 2011 Magazine Street in New Orleans. I’ll probably be there 8 to 10 times per month, Although my art is directly in front of you. Just pass the Coffee Shop, So if you’re ever there you should check it out.
If you want to purchase, you just contact me.
information will be located next to the door.
Art Spot, 2011 Magazine street, New Orleans,LA
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a painter, and illustrator, I also make sculptures. I include lego in my art, Because I was curious as to how architects incorporate Lego? And I wanted to test whether or not it could actually be convincing.
So that made me start making dioramas. That could be used for tabletop games. And they also make beautiful Landscapes. They are also modular. And I include my art into my sculptures. So not only do you have lego buildings but you also have. Sand, Grass, and different foliage.
A relative of reality, that only exists in front of you.
In the art world, I am known as RavellXIV (14).
My friend’s just call me Ravell.
If you want to be introduced to my art, just Google my name. “RavellXIV” or “Ravell14”.
Followed by art.
I had a very bad speech impediment. When I was a child around 2, to the age of 5. Even then, people couldn’t really understand what I was saying so I had to show them by drawing best as possibly I could, at the time and I guess, as I grew and, matured as an adult. I think that it actually, Developed an identity of its own. So I really appreciate the gift of art.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to believe that the government actually cared about us. But now, through no tinted licenses. I realize, that we have to exist with each other.
The people have to exist with the people.We cannot trust that we as a nation, won’t be thrown under the bus of authoritarianism.
Our life, and existence, is crumbling around us.
We have to stop being apathetic, and start being empathetic.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
2020 was the hardest year, and I think that it really tested me, in many ways.
I almost physically died. I contracted salmonella blood poisoning, And I didn’t have a bowel movement for 2 weeks. So I nearly went septic and I almost possibly lost my leg, as well my life. But luckily God didn’t let me succumb.
I am 80% Arthritic throughout my Body, til this Day. And I want to say it was the next month.
I found out that my grandfather had cancer, and he was dying. So for the next 4 months I was his hospice nurse. My ordeal allowed me to better help take care of him,as he was dying.
6 months after that, Colorado changed my whole perspective. And that was that metaphorical Phoenix, rising from the dead.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
That is a very interesting question. And I am glad that this question came up because I don’t wear masks, although I do try to compose myself when I am in public. when I’m in private, I just don’t care. I can be primitive in private, and I don’t really like to be as primitive in public.
But I do love the adaptation of being in public, as an introvert.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retire tomorrow, I think that people would miss my style, because the way that I paint. It is very unique, and not a lot of people incorporate my style.
I would describe it as primitive. Yet, very realistic. Almost like a neo impressionist type of vibe. When I paint, I don’t necessarily just go to paint an object, or even a scene. I’m painting it the way that I observe the energy, within my imagination.
That’s why my paintings are so whimsical. Because I am not painting it, I’m documenting. I am painting it the way that I feel, that it should be given Energy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: RavellXIVRobinson
- Other: https://www.tricera.net/artist/painters/8103543
https://www.saatchiart.com/ravell14-art
https://www.teravarna.com/artists/ravell-robinson-
Image Credits
The paintings/art are all my images.
But the image of me.
I want to give a shout out to my friend Aura Cervini.
Instagram.com/Dancinbird22
