Poet, Artist, Father, Husband and so much more. A class act that withstands the test of time.
What motivates you to do art?
Elton: Purpose has always been the key motivation in me doing art, whether it be writing or visual art. I love being creative in general, but conveying messages and impacting people is always my mission.
What do you think the biggest learning experience will be after the pandemic is over?
Elton: I am water! This pandemic hasn’t altered my process of doing art one bit. Creativity has always been so much more to me thank just creating. It’s been therapeutic. It’s been entertaining. It’s been a tool for introspection. My duty with having a gift so powerful, is to continue the flow of it and not become stagnant.
How do you help Evolving your craft throughout the years?
Elton: I believe the craft, the gift, evolves the more you work with it. But I also believe our gifts evolve through the knowledge we gain, and personal experiences. Spirituality plays a part. Sexuality plays a part. Sensitivity. Vision. We stop evolving… the gift stops evolving, when we limit ourselves.
How do you think the Pandemic has altered your process of doing art?
Elton: I am water! This pandemic hasn’t altered my process of doing art one bit. Creativity has always been so much more to me thank just creating. It’s been therapeutic. It’s been entertaining. It’s been a tool for introspection. My duty with having a gift so powerful, is to continue the flow of it and not become stagnant.
Having sons, how do you think they are understanding the Black Lives matter movement?
Elton: Having sons, the Black Lives Matter movement has led to a lot of education about the Black experience in America. I do not believe racism will ever be completely done away with in the country, a country founded on racism. A country insistent on lying about its foundation and origin. A country that simply reinvents the wheel as opposed to breaking the wheel. Teaching them about the nature of racism, and the importance of seeing it for what it is, is a never ending mission.
What advice would you give someone who doesn’t know if college will help them with their future?
Elton: Being a college dropout, I am a firm believer that you can accomplish just as much without a college degree/education as you can with one. It all depends on wise decision making, being well-informed, and knowing what you as a person are willing to do and sacrifice to be successful. I had a very good college experience. It made me, in many aspects, the artist I am today. But I have learned so much more outside of college, that I question the structure of the system versus the financial impact.
Has there been any artwork that you’ve done in the past and looked back at it and thought WOW I did that?
Elton: Yes! I find old poems and artwork from years ago that make say, “Man! I did that?!?!!” I believe my older works were much more focused efforts.
What’s your favorite part of the process of doing what you do?
Elton: My favorite part of doing what I do probably the final stage…the finished piece. I have a very active imagination, and it easy to get bored, so actually seeing a piece through to the end is a big deal for me.
What’s one thing that you miss about Houston but also one thing that you Love about where you live now?
Elton: The thing I miss about Houston is that it’s HOME. I accomplished a great deal and made many considerable milestones. There’s nothing like the place where you earned your stripes. I met and worked with so many awesome people there. I also love the Sacramento poetry community for embracing me.
Besides family, what is important to you that you would consider your motto for life?
Elton: Since I started doing poetry, my motto has always been “Life is Deep. Don’t get caught up in the Currents.”
How do people reach you to get access to your work?
Elton: People who want to reach me to gain access to my work can visit me on IG @thedeepblu3see or @studio_trid3lpha On Twitter look me up @deepblu3see
HPS Magazine 