The Voice of Art
Written by Scott Barnes
Photographed by Lisa Wratten
Illustrated by Dontay Lockett
Designed by Grace Senior and Elsa Brydalski
If language is a human invention created to communicate ideas, the purpose of art is to convey what words cannot. The work of an artist has the potential to penetrate the psyche more profoundly than a person’s words possibly could.
It was a cold night—a Chicago winter evening of wind-blown rain. That bitter cold that finds its way up and under every layer.
The first appointment was cancelled last minute and the second one was supposed to begin almost an hour ago. The stranger eventually shows up, and the thing gets done.
"I like to do a lot of stuff on the fly," said Dontay Lockett, 23. "I'm not a person that always plans things because I feel like you can't always plan life."
Lockett has priorities which fall in line with an agenda that is only known to him. He is committed to the work and loyal to a growing fanbase.
The photoshoot barely got underway before it was put on hold: Lockett promised that he would drop a new song at 7pm.
Lockett likes to allow space to let life unfold. He enjoys the improvisation of flow and is a person who moves at his own pace. His disposition makes it seem as though a hectic collegiate schedule is a walk in the park.
He stands in truth and authenticity; his work reflects that courage.
Hardship did not hold him down and poverty did not hold him back. His eyes reflect a gentle perseverance as he speaks with a quiet passion about his life and his work.
Being born in the “back of the yards” on the southwest side of Chicago shaped the artist but it does not define him. He credits his mother for the values instilled in him. He holds himself to a high standard in honor of her.
“I don’t want to show a perfect picture all the time”
An orphan of sorts, it seems that home truly is in the heart for Lockett, and following his heart put him on a unique path.
He left home on good terms at an early age to pursue his passions, which eventually led him to an academic career. He is now an illustration major in his senior year at Columbia College Chicago.
Interested in art from a young age, Lockett was motivated to get serious about drawing as a child. One of his earliest inspirations was contemporary artist Murphy Elliott, and although their work is somewhat similar, the parallels between Lockett and Elliott exist more so in the stories of their upbringing.
Elliott is an artist who lives in Plant City, Florida. He is mostly known for house painting but also does drawn portraits of famous people and other fine art pieces.
Both found their way to foster families at some point, and both credit their foster parents for enabling them to rise to their full potential. It was Lockett’s adopted family that encouraged him to enroll in college.
“I could be seen as an orphan. I was adopted by my coach,” Lockett explained. “She coached me for track and cross country. I still see my mom—no disrespect. I don’t know my dad.”
His formative years were marked by adversity, and those hardships helped fuel his desire to be an artist.
“The reason I was adopted is because I was homeless for about five to six years," said Lockett. "People think of homelessness as being outside; I’m talking more like homeless—basically couch surfing and being in and out of shelters. Not being able to go to school.”
Dontay shares his story proudly.
“I think my story—and everybody else’s story that goes through what I go through—is meant to be heard.”
Lockett has a personal and unique approach to creating. He is always pushing the boundaries of what he is capable of and credits the formal training he has received at Columbia for opening his mind to different approaches.
He explores the dark side of his person and his life; his work depicts that sentiment in an accessible way. The intentional “rough around the edges” feeling captures the beauty of imperfection and allows authenticity to shine through.
“I don’t want to show a perfect picture all the time,” he said.
Utilizing a variety of media, he produces work that is raw, vulnerable and honest. His artistic hand has a playful touch, giving his drawings a rich depth that illustrates both personal anger and profound love in a way that is simultaneously heavy and lighthearted.
The voice of his music is that of self-discovery and personal revolution. His songs portray suffering with a quality of transcendence and alchemy—transmuting pain into purpose.
His photographs beautifully capture humanity. The portraits he produces seem to tell stories of overcoming, and the pictures he takes are infused with the feeling that people are emotional, living works of art.
His artistic influence is growing as he continues to nurture a career that is still in the early stages of development. Both prolific and talented, Lockett has a lot to say. The young artist has created an impressive portfolio that is insightful and compelling.
Lockett has come to terms with his past and is moving forward as both an artist and a person. His eyes light up when he talks about the future and the possibility of becoming a teacher.
The pandemic of 2020 is a situation that has impacted the final semester of his college career, but he is adapting to the change of pace and continuing to push forward.
"I have been able to do my school work. It's been hard though, mainly because I'm better with work in class and around resources," he said. "I think staying in because of this Covid-19 has taught me a little about life and how much I can be on my phone and why doing other things like making a checklist or going for a run or walk is way better at times than being on my phone. It's really easy to get caught up."
