Anthony Reed
THE LIFE OF A UNAPOLOGETIC ARTIST ANTHONY VS. MOJO
Artist , Athlete & Creative Director
UNDERSTAND THAT ART IS LONG & LIFE IS SHORT
Entering into a world with no worries about life and how to live it has always been a part of his platform. Understanding, at an early age, that there is so much knowledge to acquire that a lifetime is not sufficient.
Using art to convey his idea to the only aim of being able to self-express and rebirth his individuality as the artist who creates it. A quality that brings good luck and helps him to be good at everything that meets the eyes. The Mojo inside of him created self-confidence, self-assured that helped to balance his own beliefs in real life situations. Using visual stories to reform the life he knew and the life he was chosen to live with the likes of his father. Being able to apply a true human creation bringing what he thought was his imagination to life for the world to see.
Typically in a visual form such as painting or drawing, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. Unlike most, he is a person that figures out a way to make things happen with no complaints or excuses while learning how to stamp and approve his own agenda and goals he has set in place. But the question still remains to the naked eye, who is Anthony? Anthony and Mojo are one in the same but the level of accountability is all up to Anthony being able to embrace his own shortcomings without placing blame using the experience to become a lover of self. To Him this means, living a life that is more fulfilling, by being comfortable in his own skin. Making more conscious choices in his life that resonates with his core values and learning to care more about what the person in the reflection in the mirror thinks and less of the world we live in today.
Using art to convey his idea to the only aim of being able to self-express and rebirth his individuality as the artist who creates it. A quality that brings good luck and helps him to be good at everything that meets the eyes. The Mojo inside of him created self-confidence, self-assured that helped to balance his own beliefs in real life situations. Using visual stories to reform the life he knew and the life he was chosen to live with the likes of his father. Being able to apply a true human creation bringing what he thought was his imagination to life for the world to see.
Typically in a visual form such as painting or drawing, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. Unlike most, he is a person that figures out a way to make things happen with no complaints or excuses while learning how to stamp and approve his own agenda and goals he has set in place. But the question still remains to the naked eye, who is Anthony? Anthony and Mojo are one in the same but the level of accountability is all up to Anthony being able to embrace his own shortcomings without placing blame using the experience to become a lover of self. To Him this means, living a life that is more fulfilling, by being comfortable in his own skin. Making more conscious choices in his life that resonates with his core values and learning to care more about what the person in the reflection in the mirror thinks and less of the world we live in today.
"Comfortable With Imperfections"
There is nothing rarer, nor more beautiful than a man being unapologetically his self; comfortable in his perfect imperfection that is the true essence of beauty. Setting his own foundation behind the canvas, using Instagram to showcase and to hear the voice of his artwork but also his passion. He feels as though everyone has “Mojo” the same type of potential and execution he has, the only difference is he applies it every day.
However, this is no fairy tale because hard work is something that was deeply rooted in him before he knew that this would be the life he’d reveal to the world. He doesn’t apologize for being Anthony or Mojo in his eyes he doesn’t feel like he needed to change. No matter the circumstance because his faith in God and positive outlook on life only justifies his true purpose. Every day question’s he asks himself “Am I doing what I’m set out to do with my life as an artist and as a person?” The answer is always yes. His late father Anthony Sr. was the fuel to his fire growing up. He wanted to impress his father with his crafts and even to this day he often takes a walk down memory lane when things become challenging.
Just to remember how his father was always his biggest fan, motivating him to draw and inspire himself. In the early 90 ’s he would challenge him to draw things that he would see, but instilling in him that it was also important to draw things that he knew. His father being a marine he saw it as an urgency to impress him all the time with no hesitation. At the tender age of 12 years old his father was murdered which had a huge impact on his life he describes his father with these words. “He was the glue between his family", and with him passing it was rough not seeing his dad’s side of the family. Especially at that young age learning to become himself. Having peer pressure and not having that male figure around that he could trust to stay on top of him made it even harder growing up without a father.
To relate to but not for discipline only guidance. Just within years of each other, he lost his grandmother on his mother’s side, which she was also in his words “The glue to his mother’s family”. This in return did a huge number on his mom, and just watching her deal with it all there was no way he should be complaining about school and having homework there was no excuse. He saw then in his mother and father, that accountability was very important. He learned that by watching them practice those were traits in the earlier stages of becoming a man. So he then learned to 100% whole heartily embrace his dad, not for his death but to be able to come to terms with it, understanding that he was gone yet he never left because he lived inside of him.
However, this is no fairy tale because hard work is something that was deeply rooted in him before he knew that this would be the life he’d reveal to the world. He doesn’t apologize for being Anthony or Mojo in his eyes he doesn’t feel like he needed to change. No matter the circumstance because his faith in God and positive outlook on life only justifies his true purpose. Every day question’s he asks himself “Am I doing what I’m set out to do with my life as an artist and as a person?” The answer is always yes. His late father Anthony Sr. was the fuel to his fire growing up. He wanted to impress his father with his crafts and even to this day he often takes a walk down memory lane when things become challenging.
Just to remember how his father was always his biggest fan, motivating him to draw and inspire himself. In the early 90 ’s he would challenge him to draw things that he would see, but instilling in him that it was also important to draw things that he knew. His father being a marine he saw it as an urgency to impress him all the time with no hesitation. At the tender age of 12 years old his father was murdered which had a huge impact on his life he describes his father with these words. “He was the glue between his family", and with him passing it was rough not seeing his dad’s side of the family. Especially at that young age learning to become himself. Having peer pressure and not having that male figure around that he could trust to stay on top of him made it even harder growing up without a father.
To relate to but not for discipline only guidance. Just within years of each other, he lost his grandmother on his mother’s side, which she was also in his words “The glue to his mother’s family”. This in return did a huge number on his mom, and just watching her deal with it all there was no way he should be complaining about school and having homework there was no excuse. He saw then in his mother and father, that accountability was very important. He learned that by watching them practice those were traits in the earlier stages of becoming a man. So he then learned to 100% whole heartily embrace his dad, not for his death but to be able to come to terms with it, understanding that he was gone yet he never left because he lived inside of him.
"More Than Himself"
Going to college at 17 years old he had given drawing a rest but going into the big leagues playing basketball at Southeast Missouri State University. Following his first love and passion, he had shared the love for the game since before he could walk or even speak. Seems like at this time of his life ball was what he needed along the side of video games and art.
Although basketball was his passion it seemed as though the ball wasn’t fun for him anymore. Then suddenly the life he wanted took him to that crossover moment where it was time to decide that he could no longer live for other people but to start living in his truths. He majored in Traditional Art studying nude model drawing from all shapes and sizes learning then how to draw from life. Again life took a turn when he had to return back to Saint Louis, Mo his hometown when things didn’t go as planned.
He really at that time didn’t know what his true desire was until his son was born, then it clicked he had to figure out a way even if he didn’t know how to. He went through unspeakable life changes but yet no one could ever tell what was going on behind his smile. He wanted to be self-made and also be able to be there for his son whenever he needed him to be. In exchange for his life, he wanted to give his son the life he didn’t fully receive hoping to repair his life through his son so that he truly understands that he has his back. By this time in his life, it was crystal clear what he wanted but more importantly what he needed to do.
Although basketball was his passion it seemed as though the ball wasn’t fun for him anymore. Then suddenly the life he wanted took him to that crossover moment where it was time to decide that he could no longer live for other people but to start living in his truths. He majored in Traditional Art studying nude model drawing from all shapes and sizes learning then how to draw from life. Again life took a turn when he had to return back to Saint Louis, Mo his hometown when things didn’t go as planned.
He really at that time didn’t know what his true desire was until his son was born, then it clicked he had to figure out a way even if he didn’t know how to. He went through unspeakable life changes but yet no one could ever tell what was going on behind his smile. He wanted to be self-made and also be able to be there for his son whenever he needed him to be. In exchange for his life, he wanted to give his son the life he didn’t fully receive hoping to repair his life through his son so that he truly understands that he has his back. By this time in his life, it was crystal clear what he wanted but more importantly what he needed to do.
"I Am Who I Am"
After college, he had interviews at different stages of his newfound career. At first, women would just look at him or his social media like he was a narcissist. But in reality, he is and has always been very positive, cool, not the arrogant type of guy that stayed in his own lane. Learning that the only way for him to become successful was being 100% with his self and not conforming to other people. From his appearance and how he carries his self, down to his dress code wearing tailored jeans, muscle shirts just all around the clean cut.
What we all now know him as being unapologetically Mojo and not pretending to be someone he’s not attracting the wrong type of attention. His motto is simple “people who do not support me won't, and that’s ok". But he wasn't looking to be perfect just looking for more progression as time goes on. The only way to do that is by keeping his self-surrounded by positive people and he will do great things. In his words “negative people will impact you so much and weigh you down”.The most important thing as he would say, “keep yourself alive, it’s how you represent yourself that people will like you for you and not for who you’re trying to be because pretending only uncovers the truth”.
Later on, after understanding where life was taking him completely he enrolled at Florissant Valley Community College to then study illustration and animation to expand his many hidden talents. Where shortly after taking his education to the next level attending (Scad) Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Visual Communications with Sequential Art. Upon completion, it was time to put it all together he became a Professor at Florissant Valley Community College. Going back to his roots to instill all that he has learned. He put it back into the one school that changed his life. However, the worst wasn’t quite over he found his self back at the crossroads again with his back up against the wall. Not yet able to really get to know himself more. Mojo started to realize who he was the more he was drawing but soon felt as though he was drawing with no purpose and wasn’t connecting the dots.
What we all now know him as being unapologetically Mojo and not pretending to be someone he’s not attracting the wrong type of attention. His motto is simple “people who do not support me won't, and that’s ok". But he wasn't looking to be perfect just looking for more progression as time goes on. The only way to do that is by keeping his self-surrounded by positive people and he will do great things. In his words “negative people will impact you so much and weigh you down”.The most important thing as he would say, “keep yourself alive, it’s how you represent yourself that people will like you for you and not for who you’re trying to be because pretending only uncovers the truth”.
Later on, after understanding where life was taking him completely he enrolled at Florissant Valley Community College to then study illustration and animation to expand his many hidden talents. Where shortly after taking his education to the next level attending (Scad) Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Visual Communications with Sequential Art. Upon completion, it was time to put it all together he became a Professor at Florissant Valley Community College. Going back to his roots to instill all that he has learned. He put it back into the one school that changed his life. However, the worst wasn’t quite over he found his self back at the crossroads again with his back up against the wall. Not yet able to really get to know himself more. Mojo started to realize who he was the more he was drawing but soon felt as though he was drawing with no purpose and wasn’t connecting the dots.
"Tapping Into Mojo"
Everything came full circle on August 9th, 2014 Michael Brown was shot and killed in Ferguson Mo. Then the riots began to happen and not to mention yet another death so close to home where he was only 5 minutes away from. Remembering that he not only was a black male but he has a black son. Which he was quickly reminded of when his son asked: “Why did Mike Brown get shot”. For that moment he was silent he had no answer for his son. Faith Sandler (his second mother) Executive Director of Scholarship foundation of Saint Louis and that fact that the question was still unanswered also bothered her.
It seemed as though he was that tender age of 12 again and that his life was about to be more impacted. But in reality, it wasn’t him it was his 12-year-old son in which she gave him some refueling advice. She told him “ You have to do something about it” he tapped into is Mojo he started drawing his self as a kid not knowing that people would gravitate to his vivid idea. People were even reaching out in hopes to create a visual story to get that spot on for him for drawing from his heart. Anything outside that no longer had his undivided attention. After Mike Brown passed away he completely stopped working and refunded clients. His words were “I can’t do this anymore, I’m not going to be able to give you my best work”. During that time he felt empowered and motivated to use his love for art to change people’s lives one piece at a time.
It seemed as though he was that tender age of 12 again and that his life was about to be more impacted. But in reality, it wasn’t him it was his 12-year-old son in which she gave him some refueling advice. She told him “ You have to do something about it” he tapped into is Mojo he started drawing his self as a kid not knowing that people would gravitate to his vivid idea. People were even reaching out in hopes to create a visual story to get that spot on for him for drawing from his heart. Anything outside that no longer had his undivided attention. After Mike Brown passed away he completely stopped working and refunded clients. His words were “I can’t do this anymore, I’m not going to be able to give you my best work”. During that time he felt empowered and motivated to use his love for art to change people’s lives one piece at a time.
"A Walk Of Life"
But life as we know it took a huge turn in 2016 Anthony developed Carpal tunnel in his wrist. This had to be the worst pain he could have endured, he felt defeated and nervous. Trying to remain positive like he has been during his journey. He felt like his world had frozen in time. He felt if he couldn’t draw there has to be another way. He just knew that he wanted to impact people and push the culture forward. He knew it had to be a greater purpose so that he could expand and reach more people and talk to them as well as mentor and inspire. Taking up another form of art like photography and video he was just determined not to give up. He wanted to create art so that it could be seen that they were living their own story which spoke volume.
In order to answer his son’s question, he had to do it in a language he was very good in. He was then deemed under construction because he wanted to be the dopest visual artist. Being a black man that can be bold and say what he wants but make sure in the process that he resembled it as well. He wanted to also teach to give back to the city that gave birth to him which is also the community that was hurting from Mike Brown. A few years later he got baptized and he wanted to walk in the direction of God. Things that were effortless he walked toward, things that were hard he walked away from. During this walk of life, he started to forgive people that hurt him: "they know not what they do". However, he generally forgave people. He also forgave himself for being so hard that he felt he had to be great so fast. In his words “embrace the now and make room for your blessings”. He started to be more thankful after being baptized he realized all things that he was experiencing were for a reason.
In order to answer his son’s question, he had to do it in a language he was very good in. He was then deemed under construction because he wanted to be the dopest visual artist. Being a black man that can be bold and say what he wants but make sure in the process that he resembled it as well. He wanted to also teach to give back to the city that gave birth to him which is also the community that was hurting from Mike Brown. A few years later he got baptized and he wanted to walk in the direction of God. Things that were effortless he walked toward, things that were hard he walked away from. During this walk of life, he started to forgive people that hurt him: "they know not what they do". However, he generally forgave people. He also forgave himself for being so hard that he felt he had to be great so fast. In his words “embrace the now and make room for your blessings”. He started to be more thankful after being baptized he realized all things that he was experiencing were for a reason.
"When Life Gives You Lemons..."
Presently he has only been painting for a year. For him when he is painting it's about what he wants to do and how he feels about art. He started painting in January of last Year he decided to take a class to learn the fundamentals to paint. Using the influence of his best friend Jon Moody, his art changed everything including how he viewed life and women in one piece. With having four different pieces of how he views woman it stems from the Queen's painting which is his representation of how she isn’t smiling yet she is pretty.
Not doing much, just still because she is everything you’d want her to be. “Everything you do has the same meaning cry for help, acceptance, equality so now it’s not what you feel but what I represent”. This road wasn’t as easy as it seems he struggled a lot with paint and started with oil-based he got good at certain aspects of it from holding a brush and paint from the pencil and paper. It was a huge difference, paint is held at a higher level when it comes to art due to the respect it has rather than drawing. Starting there he really wanted to paint but he didn’t want to paint because of the likes of his friend.
He just wanted to paint because he learned to love it. Professor Mojo took the class for free after he took the first semester he took off because it was challenging. The execution had to be top notch so he would practice and study because he wanted to make sure that everything he touched was memorable. When things seem to be a little bit much he took a break when he felt he wasn’t ready.
However, just like any challenge he overcame that obstacle and painted a lemon which was his first painting and then fell in love with the art of food. It wasn’t until after he was finished studying and being around his best friend he motivated him to paint more.
His goal was for his brand to be done with emotion with color and personality. He wanted everything he painted to be iconic to inject life into his work while dealing with ups and downs. He started taking yoga which led him to think about his next steps in life. Aimlessly moving around because with painting there was no rules or limits to how far he could go with it and to never have a plan to put in place but another accomplishment to add to his platform.
Not doing much, just still because she is everything you’d want her to be. “Everything you do has the same meaning cry for help, acceptance, equality so now it’s not what you feel but what I represent”. This road wasn’t as easy as it seems he struggled a lot with paint and started with oil-based he got good at certain aspects of it from holding a brush and paint from the pencil and paper. It was a huge difference, paint is held at a higher level when it comes to art due to the respect it has rather than drawing. Starting there he really wanted to paint but he didn’t want to paint because of the likes of his friend.
He just wanted to paint because he learned to love it. Professor Mojo took the class for free after he took the first semester he took off because it was challenging. The execution had to be top notch so he would practice and study because he wanted to make sure that everything he touched was memorable. When things seem to be a little bit much he took a break when he felt he wasn’t ready.
However, just like any challenge he overcame that obstacle and painted a lemon which was his first painting and then fell in love with the art of food. It wasn’t until after he was finished studying and being around his best friend he motivated him to paint more.
His goal was for his brand to be done with emotion with color and personality. He wanted everything he painted to be iconic to inject life into his work while dealing with ups and downs. He started taking yoga which led him to think about his next steps in life. Aimlessly moving around because with painting there was no rules or limits to how far he could go with it and to never have a plan to put in place but another accomplishment to add to his platform.
"An Ongoing Mission"
Now reaching the strongest point in his career creating his own collection: “She”. Based on women for the women. His mission was to capture on his canvas, a story telling how the person looked whether near or far but to always show life within the art of war. On his canvas, he is bringing life and emotion. The mood ring of an artist brings life-changing vibes when painting he listens to motivational speakers on a daily basis helping him maintain his focus. When he picks up that paintbrush he is doing his own thing. Whereas you can paint the same images as him but with Mojo there will always be a difference in the bigger picture. He is just living out his true calling answering his son’s question.
Resurrecting his father from the grave taking the Mike Brown storyline and recreating it in his own image. This will not only answer his son’s question but also all of the future unanswered questions his son may have. Which in turn will be his children’s book series “Little Mojo”. No one else has really had this opportunity to uncover the life behind the unapologetic artist and how he fell in love with painting. So it makes you wonder why The Art Of Noise?
It’s simply because he gravitates to things he truly believes in. He loves to work with companies and brands that are trying to work toward big things that seemed so far away. This is also a way to reconnect and align with his family, his 1st cousin the "CEO Of The Art Of Noise”. Learning each other after all these years finally being able to mend the past and provide that same support. So say no more cousin I’d like to be the first to reintroduce Mojo.
~ MOJO ~
Resurrecting his father from the grave taking the Mike Brown storyline and recreating it in his own image. This will not only answer his son’s question but also all of the future unanswered questions his son may have. Which in turn will be his children’s book series “Little Mojo”. No one else has really had this opportunity to uncover the life behind the unapologetic artist and how he fell in love with painting. So it makes you wonder why The Art Of Noise?
It’s simply because he gravitates to things he truly believes in. He loves to work with companies and brands that are trying to work toward big things that seemed so far away. This is also a way to reconnect and align with his family, his 1st cousin the "CEO Of The Art Of Noise”. Learning each other after all these years finally being able to mend the past and provide that same support. So say no more cousin I’d like to be the first to reintroduce Mojo.
~ MOJO ~
Enjoy this scenic view of Anthony in his element.
A Smooth Speed Painting With Anthony
Click The Image Below To Visit Anthony's Stunning Website
