My creative journey is deeply rooted in the influence of cartoonists who have mastered the art of storytelling through character. From a young age, I was captivated by the ability to express complex emotions, ideas, and narratives through simple yet profound visual forms. This inspired me to develop my own characters, most notably the WeeBees, which have become the cornerstone of my work.
The WeeBees are not just characters; they are a powerful statement. As a Black artist, I recognized early on that opportunities to express oneself through fictional characters, especially those that transcend human attributes like race, gender, and creed, are scarce. The creation of the WeeBees was a deliberate choice to break free from societal constraints and expectations. These characters, devoid of any specific identity markers, invite all people—regardless of background—to engage with my work on a universal level. They allow me to communicate thoughtfulness and introspection without the limitations imposed by identity politics.
Through the WeeBees and other works created under the Sky Welkin moniker, I have built my own iconography, a visual language that is uniquely mine. This iconography serves as a canvas for me to explore themes and ideas with complete creative freedom, something that I find challenging to do as an African American within the confines of contemporary society. My work is a form of escapism—a way to transcend the realities of my lived experience and explore a world where I can express myself fully and authentically.
In essence, my "why" for creating is rooted in the desire to forge a space where I can explore, express, and communicate without boundaries. It is about creating a dialogue that is inclusive, reflective, and ultimately, liberating.