LOCAL ARTIST

This month's local artist is: Rocky Baird

Art is a universal language because it appeals to human emotions and is understood as a way of communicating these feelings. No one knows this better than artist, muralist, Rocky Baird, who has been communicating with the Oakland community off and on for the past 10 years. When asked what he strives for when he begins to create a project, Baird’s response is quite simple, “The creation of a visual language that can be read and understood. Baird paints his own reality and discusses how “the social involvement during the work’s execution reveals things, like an experiment in a social lab. These things go back into my work. I enjoy being a storyteller and like to inspire public dialogues and thoughtfulness.” Without a doubt, Baird has the ability to transform what is in his heart and soul to an image that can be seen and experienced by everyone.

Baird confides that even though he has studied under an array of eclectic mentors, perhaps the most influential person in his life is Mother Nature herself. In fact, his very first mural was that of a psychedelic oak tree with musicians in the branches. He was inspired when a subject came to his mind that possessed a story that he wanted to share. He researched the topic, designed a composition, and then most importantly, he believed in it. He nurtured it and made it happen. Rocky has said that one of the most important, if not the most important aspect of being an artist, is believing in your own creation. When you believe, others believe, too. His work has that ability to speak to people.

On giving advice to aspiring artists, Rocky shares, “Be honest with yourself. Sit down with the you that doesn’t care about cool and ask yourself, do I really have it? If you believe you can do it then don’t ever question it again. Know who wants you to be big and cherish them, know who wants you small and keep them in check. Only ask permission when you absolutely have to.”
Along with many other artists, Rocky helps raise cultural awareness with his community murals. His visual creations often tell the story of a rich multicultural history. And there is no better place to do it than in Oakland - a community filled with diversity, inclusiveness, and a real commitment to its people.

Rocky’s most recent work is on display on the side of Gaylord's Café Espresso on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. For more information on Baird and his murals, you can visit Rocky’s website at http://www.rockybaird.com