Larry Wilson in his studio | Photo by Laura Evans
At an early age, Larry Wilson’s mother saw his creative spark and helped build his “critical and abstract thinking” muscles by putting him in art classes. Today, as a CAP donor and board member and a creative professional, he hopes to help give the same chances he had to kids who aren’t so lucky.
CAP sat down with Larry, a sculptor and principal of DesignMind LLC, in his studio at CoRK Arts District in Jacksonville to talk about why he believes so passionately in the importance of arts education.
Q: So, Larry, were you one of those kids always doodling in the margins—or did someone point out that you had a creative spark?
Larry Wilson: I was so fortunate that my mother saw the creative spark and got me into some art classes, which really introduced me to critical and abstract thinking. That is where the good stuff happens. Exposing kids to a creative thought process gives them a tool they will use throughout adulthood, whether or not they pursue a creative profession.
Q: It sounds like your mom deserves a standing ovation here. Do any early experiences stand out from that time?
LW: I am where I am now—both with my design practice and with my studio art practice—because my mother encouraged me. She used to take me to the community theater when I was in maybe seventh or eighth grade. I don’t know how she did this: She talked with the city of Miami—I’m from Miami—and convinced them to let me take some adult art education classes [through the community college]. And here I was in this painting class. Everyone else was probably in their 40s, 50s, 60s.
Q: How has that creative way of thinking influenced you as an adult?
LW: I apply the creative thought process to every problem or decision I have to make. It has given me tools that allow me to navigate decisions with an open mind and a sense of exploration. I developed confidence and found my own perspective and personal voice that will always be with me.
Q: Do you ever argue with yourself over who’s in charge—the designer or the artist?
LW: There’s a deep overlap between my design practice and my studio practice. It’s all about color juxtapositions, textures. The elements of art and principles of design. It was almost an epiphany because I realized I had been exposed to this way of thinking my whole life. How many other kids could benefit from that exposure? That’s what got me interested in CAP, and why I support its mission.
