“MF DOOMED” A Freewall Jam
“MF DOOMED” Character Concept Sketch
Struggle, triumph, pride, stress, friendship, anxiety, relief, knowledge, connection; these are all of the emotions I feel when I hear the word school. I’ll be straight up with you, I hate the structure of school but love the process of gaining knowledge through real life experience. Being in the same room as like minded people who show you new perspectives or skateboarding with friends around the globe has taught me more than any schooling could. It is crucial for myself in the process and pursuit of knowledge. Waking up at 7 in the morning everyday, showing up on time, and getting ”graded” on a subjective scale is what takes away from my growth, and sanity.
Freewall Jam Painting on The University of Nevada Reno Campus; Photo by: Krystal Carter
I decided to go to college and it took me 6 years to finish a “4 year degree”(I know, impossible right?). School is definitely not for everybody and there are certainly better ways to propel yourself into life. But this path that I grudgingly ventured down made me work harder than I ever thought was possible. It helped me to continue moving forward with hopes of enjoying my free time and life once again. It’s only been a couple years since I washed back up on the blissful beaches of sanity, but when Serene and Brandon asked me to head back to the university as an ambassador rather than A student, I finally got my feeling of triumph.
Process; Photo by: Krystal Carter
Serene Townsell and Brandon Sanders from the Multicultural Center (University of Nevada Reno) reached out to me back in February with hopes that I would come live paint for a Hip-Hop event featuring African-American historian, Dr. Frederick Gooding Jr. Hearing Dr. G’s perspective on reflection and meditation in Hip Hop music was refreshing and proved that the best knowledge can be gained through struggle and triumph. Hip-hop and music in general shows us that through one’s vulnerability in sharing stories, it allows others to be courageous themselves.
My Homie Ruby Jo Interacting and Teaching Students How to Use Spray Paint; Photo by: Krystal Carter
I’m constantly reaching for my headphones throughout the day, whether I'm getting pumped to go skate, vibe out while I’m working on a project, or wind down from all the chaos at the end night. For as long as I can remember, music has shaped my artwork and is always the main inspiration for what I’m creating. Recently, I’ve been listening to a lot of MF DOOM. DOOM was a Hip-Hop artist who was known for not only his different approach within his music, but also his different aliases that he shaped an identity and character around. This is what I connect with most as an artist, creating an identity that is recognizable and mysterious enough to become unique. Doom Passed away in late 2020 but left a huge impact with his music. From intricate beats and sound, to lyrical flow that was drastically different from other artists, MF DOOM’s music will continue to play long after his passing.
Interacting and Painting Together; Photos by: Krystal Carter
I vibe out with the sounds in the background and the positivity in his lyrics are a mood boost for creativity. For this live painting, it finally felt fitting to draw the DOOM mask with one of my characters. Without fail music again shaped my art, another character from my head had successfully escaped its confines and into our world. The colors a reflection of my emotions, shaped by the sound of the music I was listening to. A piece that was free from all filters, without a hollow meaning. something that reflected all the stress and long years of constant grind I had endured. And somehow, I’m right back at it again, working harder than ever before.
MF DOOMED Final Piece, Currently on display at the Multicultural Center (UNR)
A HUGE Thank You to Everyone who made this an amazing experience happen. The Multicultural Center (UNR), Serene Townsell, Brandon Sanders, My Dad Jeff, Krystal Carter, Trace Wolfgang, Dr. G, Queenzel, and Ruby Jo.
Photos by Krystal Carter, @theblackerthe_vision (Instagram)
