photo by steed media service

An artist has to find a way to balance his own creative impulses with giving the people what they want. For Atlanta-based artist Kevin A. Williams (aka Wak), both sides of his artistic existence converge in a style that pays homage to his influences, yet he still manages to dare to give fans something different.

"I describe my style as soul gothic, which [consists] of traditional classic imagery but [is] very prominent and independent - like the '70s," Wak explains. "It's positive and empowering images; I paint victory and victory is our people."

Starting his career in his hometown of Chicago, Williams was inspired to create by some of the giants of expression. "Michelangelo, John Biggers, Charles White, Paul Goodnight - [they're] some of my mentors," says Williams, providing a diverse list.

The hair care industry gave him his first break. "SoftSheen Hair Productions was based on 87th Street," he recalls. "I would see black entrepreneurs and some of their sales reps had seen my work. I started working for SoftSheen at 19 as a hair illustrator."

Doing step-by-step 'how-tos' of hair design, Williams soon created "Standing Appointment," a depiction of four women under hair dryers. It's one of the most iconic pieces of art in the hair industry.

He continues to utilize what he learned as a hair illustrator in his current work.

"I still do the things I started out doing in 1989 for hairstylists," he says. "[I love] being an artist for the people. The people let you know who their favorite artists are. There's nothing more gratifying than painting your culture." -todd williams

For more information, visit www.wak-art.com.

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