Kerry James Marshall (Finding Aid)

Kerry James Marshall

1955 -

Favorite Color: Dark Green

Favorite Food: Smothered Pork Chops

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: New York and Ghana

Interview Length: 200 minutes

Interview Date(s): January 4, 2001

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Kerry James Marshall describes his parents' backgrounds, and recalls his father's inherent mechanical ability. Marshall shares vivid memories from his childhood growing up in Ensley, a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. He later discusses the advantages and some disadvantages of living near members of his extended family as a child. Lastly, Marshall talks about his early childhood education at a local Catholic school, and credits it with establishing his career aspirations. Kerry James Marshall discusses having artistic aspirations at an early age. He then talks about his sibling rivalry with his older brother and the family's subsequent move from Alabama to California. Marshall then shares a story about an incident that changed his relationship with his brother. He then recalls the neighborhood differences between Watts and South Central Los Angeles. Lastly Marshall fondly remembers an elementary school teacher who nurtured his interest in art. Kerry James Marshall talks briefly about his parents' attempts to keep the family shielded from racial strife while growing up in Watts. Marshall then discusses his early commitment to art and his attitudes towards education as a youth. He then explains his parents' personal ambitions and their tie-in to his artistic pursuits. Marshall then recalls his recreational activities outside of school. Lastly, Marshall discusses his youthful fascination with the artwork of Charles White and his subsequent friendship with him as a young man. Kerry James Marshall briefly talks about his obsessive personality as a child in relation to stealing art imagery from library books, a fact he acknowledges not being proud of. Marshall then describes the series of coincidences that led him to residing in Chicago. He then recalls his mentor/mentee relationship with the artist Charles White. He then vividly details his recollections of the Watts Riots of 1965. Lastly, Marshall describes his experiences at the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. Kerry James Marshall comments on ever-changing aesthetics in the art world and the acceptance of the black artist within an art historical context. Marshall then traces the development of his artwork from his teenage years through the present day. Lastly, Marshall details his concepts and artistic techniques in relation to his body of work over the last ten years. Kerry James Marshall details highlights and the gradual rise of his artistic career from the late 1970s to the present. He recounts pivotal moments that helped him cultivate his artistic style, and talks about his various teaching assignments. Lastly, Marshall describes 1995 as a critical year towards being recognized and as an artist in high demand. Kerry James Marshall discusses how he felt he's truly arrived as a serious artist. Marshall then talks about his university teaching position and his contributions to higher education. He then comments on the struggles of being an African American artist and the importance of art. Lastly, Marshall considers his legacy.

40 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)