Today we’d like to introduce you to ATHOUGHTFULGUY.
Hi ATHOUGHTFULGUY, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It’s difficult for me to define myself at times. I am a painter and a writer primarily; at other times, I am a percussionist and a community organizer. I wear many hats today and like to work in the background. I have been drawing ever since I was a child, but I’ve been painting for about 7 years and have been writing short stories and poetry for most of my life. I like to combine my love of illustration and storytelling by writing thought-provoking comics. About 5 years ago, I started referring to myself as “A Thoughtful Guy” and became a street artist. I began by setting up in the empty lot across from Tanqueray’s on orange ave and pine st. At first, I would bring my little djembe and drum, but then I started live painting at the same spot. Then, as I became more confident, I began setting up on random street corners throughout Orlando. I fell in love with the chaos of performing for drunk Orlandoans and decided to make that my full-time job for quite a while but not so much anymore. One day I would bring extra drums and instruments and invite strangers to jam with me, which would usually turn into large dance parties on the street. On another day, I would bring blank canvases and invite folks to paint with me. I liked being exactly where nobody ever expected me to be; folks would be tipsy and walking out of a club. Then, minutes later, they would paint with A Thoughtful Guy in the middle of the sidewalk, and being such a catalyst for people brings me joy.
My experiences as a street artist have brought me many wild stories, and I’ve met many interesting people. However, it is no longer my full-time job. I still occasionally set up on random street corners; one day, you might see me painting at a gas station or in the middle of a busy street; who knows?
My upbringing as an event organizer has been unconventional. I started by throwing “Fake Parties” with the slogan “Fake people, fake music, fake vibes” I know that sounds crazy, but the catch was that at the time, my fake parties included a “fake band” called the Wannabes and the intention was that you could be whoever you wanted to be at my parties. I intended to create a safe space for people to come out of their comfort zone, and I tied it all together with shocking wordplay. Currently, my main project is significantly less triggering.
Last year I launched and organized a monthly open jam and night market for West Orlando called the Westside Drumcircle in collaboration with the nonprofit Las Semillas and the interactive drum group Roots Riddim. The event includes interactive African drumming with local craft vendors, plant-based food, and live painters. A similar formula as the affected parties except for being more family friendly, and we throw them every full moon. I’ve always been eccentric and unpredictable as an artist, maybe more than just a little strange, and that’s why I find myself a little hard to define. I’ve sold hundreds of paintings on random sidewalks in Orlando, and I’ve been able to create beautiful experiences for my community while doing so. I intend to continue doing just that in the future.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
I cannot say it has been a smooth road. People have tried to destroy my art and insult me as a street performer. It comes with the territory when dealing with drunk strangers. Aside from that, mental health might be the only challenge I’ve faced most days. Staying motivated to continue creating even when I’m thoroughly uninspired is a challenge, but it’s a shared struggle that I’m sure most artists can relate to. As an organizer, I’ve had to learn that I can’t do everything alone as much as id like to try and so learning how to delegate and form healthy collaborations has also been a consistent theme for me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
Most people know me as an artist, whether in painting, poetry, or illustration. My artistic style is mostly cartoonist surrealism, and my mentality as an artist has always been to never wait for validation from anyone or any gallery. That has always set me apart from others. I am proud of my aggressiveness and bravery in walking my unique path as an artist.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
I’ve never had any mentors. I usually go without guidance, and I’ve learned mostly from making mistakes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.athoughtfuluniverse.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/athoughtfulguy
