Here at Post Up Radio, we like to ponder the relationship between art and commerce, and how the current state of the world is either creating culture, or signaling the end of it.
Our friend Clark is one of our favorite people to discuss that divide with. In addition to helping artists like HVN, Dreamer Boy and 347aidan develop their careers, he’s a painter with big visions for his project World Peace Gallery. It’s been rumored to be a “creative off-the-grid earthship community” and while we don’t know exactly what the plans are, knowing Clark, it’s going to be tight. In case you weren’t interested yet, he played D1 football as a kicker, and pursued an NFL career before deciding the pro athlete life wasn’t right for him. More on that below.
Clark’s World Peace Gallery Mix is now streaming on Post Up Radio
Continue reading for our interview with Clark and a full track list for his mix.
What’s the idea behind World Peace Gallery?
It’s undefined right now, but I’m hoping to eventually turn it into a label and art studio that could function as a gallery. I’d like to inject some fresh life into music and art, while pursuing my own vision.
Growing up, was there any cover art in particular that had an impact on you?
Stankonia by OutKast was one that stuck in my head. It’s a simple photo, but it was one of the first that made me think “this is it.”
What got you into painting your own work?
I’ve been making art since I was a kid, my mom always had an arts and crafts room in the home. My grandmother encouraged me as well, she was a talented artist in her own right, but it was never something she fully pursued. I was drawing on furniture and under coffee tables as a kid, drawing all the time. I took AP art classes in high school, but it never seemed like it could be a long-term career pursuit. I chased a career in sports instead, which oddly led me to the music business, which then led me to pick painting back up three years ago. Right before the pandemic I started taking it seriously again, and during the quarantine period went all the way in. The more I learned about art history, I wanted to express myself in a similar way. It’s a form of therapy for me, but one day I want it to turn into something serious.
Can you elaborate on your sports journey?
I played soccer for 15 years, and the goal was to play professionally. I committed to play Division 1 soccer, but realized at a certain point that I wasn’t going to go pro. I was experiencing some burnout, so I started kicking footballs during my senior year of high school, which was natural for me. People around me started telling me I could go play pro football, and I was being recruited by several schools to kick for them. Of the schools that were showing me their majors, Middle Tennessee State had a music business major, and I knew I wanted to pursue something around the arts. I again came to a point where I didn’t see a professional sports career in front of me, so I finished my football journey at The Citadel and decided to commit full time to being in music.
How do you feel about the intersection of fine art and music?
I’ve always viewed music as fine art, but when I first felt that way, I didn’t know how to understand fine art. When I was 22 I went to New York and the MoMA for the first time, and in that moment fine art made sense to me. Music plays a massive role in commerce globally as a vehicle for trends and virality, but the art of music has lost some of its value over the past couple years. Arguably more work goes in to making an album that goes into making a million dollar painting, but albums are rarely treated like fine art as they deserve.
Any advice for those trying to pursue a career in the arts and entertainment?
If you want to be around it, but you aren’t the creator yourself, figure out a way to add value. Do cover art, graphic design, promote local shows, master social media marketing. Find a way to add value to an artist that you’re a fan of. And for artists, don’t be afraid to spend a time perfecting your craft before you release art to the world, you only get one debut.
Clark’s World Peace Gallery Track List:
jonatan leandoer96 - Under Heaven
ZelooperZ - Crying In The Club
Barry White - Just The Way You Are
Westside Gunn - Margiela Split Toes
Dave & Stormzy - Clash
Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy
Prayers - From Dog To God
Julie - Flutter
Mac Wetha - Wayside
Jorge Ben - Menina Mulher Da Pele Preta
Cocteau Twins - Pitch The Baby
beabadoobee - Cologne
My Bloody Valentine - When You Sleep
.Masn USA - Movies
Oliver Dollar - Doin Ya Thang
Aaliyah - One In A Million
(Sandy) Alex G - In My Arms
Frank Ocean - Godspeed
You can follow Clark on Instagram and Twitter, and World Peace Gallery on Instagram
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