Dakari Wheeler (left) with his winning artwork, "Persephone" and Lucia Schneider, co-chair of the ArtEx project
Dakari Wheeler has earned several honors recently. He won best in show at ArtEx (a competition for students in the region), created the program for the showing of the first historic marker of black history in Bristol and the cover art for “Black in Appalachia Initiative” at Barter Theatre.
“When I was young my grandmother would often spend time with me. Noticing I was an imaginative person, she encouraged me to paint. Ever since then art has been vital in my self expression. So now drawing and painting feels the same as breathing.
“Art is most interesting to me because art goesbeyond rational thinking. It takes a feeling and turns it into a physical, digestible object. That is why with my style I try and make it as loose and colorful as possible — a reflection of my vivid thoughts and changeable feelings,” Dakari says.
He is influenced by his art teachers, especially Sean Graham, Donnie Quales and Angela Clark, who taught him how to be technical while remaining creative and innovative. The works of artists whose work can be seen on Instagram @camilaas.art, @alaiganuza, @asmorrigan, all have influenced his style.
“I do not have a favorite medium. I view mediums as tools to convey certain messages.Certain paint and pencils are used for appropriate occasions, like a salad fork or a soup spoon.
“I want people to take away a feeling of euphoria. A feeling that can’t be explained and yet cannot be dismissed. I want people to have a feeling of comfort in the vivacious colors. Overall, I want people to look at my art and feel.
“Art and creating is almost like magic to me. So, when I create it is a lot like performing magic. So, I feel like a sorcerer.
“Winning best in show was one of the biggest honors I have had. ‘Persephone’ (his winning artwork) was a painting I made in a period of great emotional and artist growth. She was named after an ancient goddess of spring and life. Her name reflects the period of extreme life I was feeling when I painted ‘Persephone.’ She is so important to me, because she was my third oil painting and my first work I ever sold. She will forever be a mile marker in my life,” he says.
Dakari plans on becoming a psychologist but wants to continue to create art. He is the son of Alminia Wheeler and Deb Hawkins. He goes to Tennessee High School, Bristol, Tennessee.
