Tuesday, December 30, 2008

"The Black Man's Country Club"






I use to be a Barber.  I did it for thirteen years.  During that time I saw so much.  In a Barber Shop you here it all, talks of politics, sex, religion, sports, food, advice about marriage, and advice about divorce.  We had all types of people from all walks of life.  I'm talking Preachers, Pimps, Drug Dealers, Politicians, Police Officers, Chefs, Athletes, Muslims, Christians, Celebrities,  Artists,  Authors, the list goes on and on.  The shop is where I ran into a person who would help influence me in a major way.  I was cutting his hair and over heard him tell someone on his cell phone to meet him at his studio.  I assume he meant a music studio.  I asked him what type of music he did, he said I listen to jazz, but I'm not a musician I'm a Artist, I paint.  He invited me to his studio, I was blown away by his paintings.  But what really took it over the top was the fact he was self-taught.  After leaving his studio I went to painting, I told the guys at the barber shop I was leaving.  I took a leap of fate and that was the starting point of my art career.  That artist whom I'm speaking of was William Tolliver.  When I think back if it wasn't for the Barber Shop, I wouldn't be typing even this blog.  It was a fascinating experience, one I will never forget.   So to all my ex-customers all the fellow barbers I've worked with (Tom, Bill, Brian, Derrick, Kid, John, Doreen, Roy, and Carla), I say thank you.  You will always hold a special place in my heart.

Here's a few photos out of many I've taken of the shop.  Which some say is, "The Black Man's Country Club"

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fate is a wonderful thing. I loved reading this post!

Ronnie said...

Thanks for writing this, Cedric. Especially meaningful for all us self taught artists. A lot of heart revealed in your blog.

PJHornbergerFolkArtist.com said...

What a great story... everybody needs to hear that.

Robin Harlow said...

Always inspired by you Cedric.....nothing like a little respect for an artist!