Interview with Kristopher Sith

Artist Kristopher Stith grew up in southeast Washington, D.C., and attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts and American University. Stith states Dragon Ball Z inspired him to draw as a child. He describes drawing Pokemon cards in the back of the classroom when he was in elementary school, and cartooning and creating his own characters when he was in middle school. He talks about his experience as a youth council member and earning a stipend; preparing his portfolio for entrance to Duke Ellington School of the Arts; and how the students and teachers at Duke Ellington inspired and motivated him to do better. Stith states the Anacostia community inspired and encouraged him to pursue his artistic skills. He talks about his competitive nature, preference of working with acrylic and charcoal, interest in painting people, strive to paint better, creative process, and artistic style. There are a few shots of his artwork; Stith talks about each of the pieces. Stith describes the similarities and differences between Washington, D.C.'s Wards 3 and 8; he talks about the changes he observes in Ward 8. Stith talks about how the community support and the arts, particularly how he thinks information and resources should be shared, and his desire to help people when he becomes successful. He also talks about Picasso, the evolution of Picasso's style, and Picasso's connection to his community through his artwork.

Interview. Dated 20110320.