Self-taught artist Lynell Diggs works in charcoal and acrylic, creating visually stimulating art using vibrant color and movement. Lynell’s focus for his work is to honor his ancestors and inspire those who view it. His work has been exhibited at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, American Jazz museum and El-Scari Harvey art gallery.
Talk about the works currently on display at the Lenexa City Center branch. What would you like people to know about them.
The pieces displayed are to inspire people to see the royalty within.
What was the most important thing you learned from being a self-taught artist?
That we were all created to create in some form or fashion, and that art is a part of our make-up.
What’s something inherent in your art that couldn’t be taught?
The diversity of my subjects.
How has your practice changed over time?
I started with charcoal and built confidence to explore other mediums, just using my knowledge of values and composition.
What is your dream project?
To create a live painting in front of an elite mass audience.
What is your most important artistic tool? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?
My hands and a light source.
Please list 5-10 books, movies and/or music that currently inspire you.
The Holy Bible, Pursuit of Happyness and The autobiography of Bruce Lee. I like creating while listening to Hip hop, Neo- soul and Jazz music.
