A BIT OF WHAT INSPIRES ME.

This selection of images are just a small aspect of a larger tapestry of things that have become the influences of my life.

While I may not have had the privileged opportunity of extended formal training and education, I never stopped informing myself. I never stopped formulating concepts, ideas and opinions about those things that would communicate the world to me. Not forgetting books and music and pop culture entertainment and a whole host of other types of media, the images above are small consolidations of a variety of larger experiences.

I grew out of dysfunction. I survived and endured out of significant detrimental disadvantage. I am an African American Man who was born fatherless and refused and abused by the mother. I am a Black Man who has had his identity stolen and obscured and yet having to further cultivate that identity by any means necessary because ultimately, I became a Father myself.

In the time of technology and technological advancement and technological terror, I’m relentless in using what has been afforded to me to create. Thru the distractions and responsibilities and obligations of life, I’ve found power in being an Artist and Creator. For my own sake and sanity, I’ve come to own my identity with that identity coming out of those elements shown above. I’ve had no time to feel too sorry for myself about my condition or situation because in the end, I would have to mean something to myself…for my own survival. And so…

—Liam Ian Black (William B. Philpot IV)

A BIT OF WHAT INSPIRES ME - LIAM IAN