ROGUE GALLERY

Sharard Saddlers

Americant African IG @sharardxart

JS: We’ve been here before; back in the Fall of 2017. You once said “What does an astronaut do? They explore places in search of finding things... Somewhat certain of what they’re looking for yet just hoping to find whatever’s out there” In the 5 years since, what did you find on your personal journey as an artist? As a black man?

DD: Perspective is important, the world has changed so much in the last few years. People aren’t the same, we have all became so blatantly selfish & its been a bit of an adjustment for me. The last time we did this, i was only a few years younger but a lot more naive. I knew who i was but i did not know how i was perceived as a young black artist. This business, this world when you start making progress you see that it can be a bit political, talent helps but relationships is what will get you to where you need to be. Thats how it is right now, maybe it’ll change. But this is where we are. I’ve been in situations where im the most talented artist in a room, my work is used as “the draw” and once the audience is captured , they are forced feed something else. This is something I’ve experienced multiple times and it forced me to create my own leverage. I had to get more hands on in terms on business. I learned to create opportunities so therefore im the one who has the upper hand in business. Conversations change when your business partners see you have other options, they can no longer treat you as if they’re doing you a favor. As an artist, you are the prize, in todays age, brands, galleries, labels etc, they need you more than you need them. If you build yourself up the relationship you form with these companies become mutually beneficial as opposed to them feeling like they’re taking a chance on you. That’s important.

JS: Lets talk about one of your newer pieces “The Lonely King of Hearts.” You mention some of the inspirations behind it such as “LoveCraft Country” and some experiences you’ve had. Something we spoke previously about how your daily reflections always bring you back towards your pieces overtime and this was no different. What was your mind state when you first painted that piece and how has it changed / evolved overtime in relation to the piece?

DD: I wish it had changed overtime, The concept came to life in 2019 and was based on experiences in the year prior, throughout the 20 teens, Ive spent a lot of time traveling, Exploring the states. I feel like this so rich in beauty with its geography, so rich in history, a lot that we are not proud of and the aftermath of which still lingers today. My astronaut, the explorer know officially known as the lonely kind of hearts, Looking For Peace In America. Throughout my twenties I was a bit naive in regards to the history of this country, love in this country, and my position as a black man in this country. The lonely king of hearts is about a man that takes accountability for his shortcomings and when things grow bad in relationships with women. I fell in love with the television series “ Love Craft Country” i think its genius. I’ve learned a lot just by watching not just about history but about racist concepts by white supremacists and the most relevant one to my art was a “Sundown Town”. I had no idea it was a real thing or even what it was. But when I gave it some thought, I experienced a lot of racism and prejudice in different parts of the country and it made me want to explore the idea of looking for peace in America. The trials and tribulations of a kindred spirit exploring a system set up to keep them marginalized, riddled with anxiety and financially unstable.

JS: You recently held your 4th “Dollar Bin” art event. Can you speak to those who are not familiar with the Dollar Bin?

DD: Its an idea that just took on a life of its own. It was a safe space for artists to come together, celebrate each other with those we care for and possibly form new relationships with potential buyers. However what’s most important to me is that I look at DB as a stepping stone for upcoming artists. A Lot of us when we’re “new” we want to get into a lot that the art world has to offer but we don’t know where to start. That’s what DB is for and me and my team made it easy for people to support you know? It was an experiment in a salon basement in 2017. We were hoping 40-50 people showed up. To our surprise we had 150 people in a basement looking at art and engaging with artists and poets. I decided to charge $1 because I was afraid no one with show up and just like that The Dollar Bin Show was a thing. By the time DB3 came about we were having close to 400 attendees. DB4 was our first event in almost 3 years due to the pandemic. I took on a lot more than usual with DB4. It was stressful and it showed in the event. However, moving forward i am always open to working with other artists and delegating different responsibilities to anyones who’s open to helping me grow this thing even more. The future is bright.

JS: How do you think you’ve evolved as an artist when you consider the current times we’re living in?

DD: I had to evolve as a person first, the last time we did think in 2017, Ill say this though. I am more conscious of the messaging in my art, looking past just the visual. As a black person thats good at anything i feel like we are always expected to sell trauma, pain, struggle of some sort. So i am very intentional with with everything and i try to be diverse and share positivity in my art just as much as the “ other stuff”

NORE: LOYALTY OR RESPECT?

WALE: RESPECT. LOYALTY GOT kINDA MORE SORTA A qUICkER ExPIRATION DATE. RESPECT kINDA LAST LONG.

RESPECT kINDA LAST LONG. IF YOU DO SOMETHING THAT GETS EVERYONES RESPECT THEY GONNA RESPECT YOU FOR AWHILE. THEY MIGHT NOT THINk ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY…

LOYALTY REqUIRES YOU TO THINk ABOUT SOMEBODY MORE. RESPECT CAN ALWAYS JUST COME BACk AROUND. LOYALTY CAN LAST FOR 3 MONTHS OR TIL YOU NOT GETTING FED. LOYALTY IS A MUFUCkA… ITS GOTTEN ALOTTA NIGGAS IN CASkETS CARRIED BY THE NIGGA THEY WASNT LOYAL TO OR WASNT LOYAL TO THEM.

RESPECT AIN’T GON kILL YOU. IT ISN’T GONNA FUCk WITH YOU OR YOUR FAMILY.