Vendor Spotlight: Will "Cognak" Watkins

Will “Cognak” Watkins is an artist on a mission, but his is no solo trip: He wants to take you on the journey, too. His destination is a place where everyone can appreciate, own and even create fine art that honors their rich heritage and hope filled destiny. So far, hundreds of people have willingly followed Watkins to that vista – including writer and singer Jai Black of Metropolis, and celebrity choreographer Tina Arnold. From celebrity homes to small businesses, corporate offices and women’s spas, Watkins’ original and lithograph artwork hangs from coast to coast.



As an upcoming artist in the African-American print market, Watkins is a popular personality at national art shows, conferences of African-American groups and major international events, including the Essence Music Festival. His art has been featured in music videos, jazz clubs and galleries. An artist who has received no formal training Watkins’ success has been in what some may call non-traditional methods of reaching art consumers. He’s taken a ‘pass’ on formal galleries or exhibits – but it’s a path with which he is comfortable.

“I have never been really interested in the wine and cheese scene. I believe that my calling is more personal than major events or business meetings. I strive to capture the essence of Love, Life, and the depths of the soul in my work. If people evolve to love art, and then start to collect art, I want it to be because something pure in my work caught their attention. If that has happened – if they’ve fallen for the pure message in my work – then my mission is accomplished.”

Velvet Influence
Dressed in jeans and a contemporary shirt, and sporting an Atlanta Braves fitted cap tilted to the left, Will Watkins looks every bit the cutting-edge artist and entrepreneur whose busy day include juggling clients, throwing events and fathering his three year old daughter.. So, it’s surprising to hear this 21st century businessman reveal his old-school philosophy that is the inspiration behind his art.

“The velvet paintings that were popular in the late 70s and mid 80’s…,” he whispers, as if he’s carefully revealing a secret. “I can remember my familiy and their basement parties, and the LPs, and the Afrocentric sculptures and all the blackness.” His memories ring true for many, taking us all back to a time when kids peeked in on parents parties or finally got to see the Ohio Players “Sweet Sticky Thing” album cover, unfolded. And to the more recent, you might remember the Outkast album Stankonia and the music of the early to mid 90’s.

“The 70s seemed like a time of such sensuality and independence for black people to me,” he said. “My early art definitely leans toward that sensuality touched with the woman’s anatomy – a sort of ‘soul gothic’ inspired by black power and Michelangelo.” Williams says that the independence of Black people in the 70s to the 90’s that he so admired is right in line with the independence contemporary artists seek. “Today, we have the freedom to create more expressive art that isn’t censored or restricted at all.”


Watkins currently resides in Atlanta.

For information on Will Watkins, call 404-573-1018
or
www.myspace.com/ aquariunartistry
email yeaah_buddy13@yahoo.com