Today we’d like to introduce you to Akio Evans.
Hi Akio, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My spark and inspiration for creating came from growing up in a single-parent home and from observing my mother, How she would cut and sew, making clothes from scratch, and was very thrifty; my two sisters and I had adopted these skills at a very young age, using what we had, despite the struggle, and not being able to own the latest sneakers, making something out of nothing was second nature… which is part of what led me to being a creative artist today.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I faced obstacles throughout my life, especially as a child with my two sisters, raised in a single-parent household in East Baltimore by my mother in the mid-’80s and ’90s. It was not a smooth road for the four of us, but it made us and didn’t break us. The hardships we’ve all endured provided resilience and a different perspective most don’t have. I’m grateful for it, and I think it helped shape the essence of me and my sibling’s artistic expression. The lack of not having increased our imagination, struggling strengthened our ability to use the little of what we had.
I had little guidance, including a poor mindset; I almost got swallowed by the system that on paper made me look like a menace, a young black man that could not be trusted. All of the actions resulted in me fleeing my hometown on my own, over to the west coast, then eventually experiencing homelessness as a young adult. Now I can say through God’s grace and mercy that it all worked together for good. My upbringing, mistakes, and failures make me relatable when sharing my story with the youth I’ve been allowed to teach and mentor.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Baltimore filmmaker, storyteller, artist, and designer specializing in making commission display art pieces on shoes or clothing, using these items as my canvas transforming items into collectible and wearable Art apparel. A few of my commissions have been collected by Dr. Dre, Dave Chappelle, Donnell Rawlings, Allen Iverson, Actors and Writers of Award-Winning Television shows. I am most proud to have the ability to share my gift with others. What sets me apart from others is the pieces that I create are more personal, and I love to dig deep in each piece that I create, making it that much more special to the collector.
What’s next?
My plan for the future is to open an Art Apparel Gallery. I am looking forward to providing an experience that will include workshops, creative space sessions, and “artpreneurial” courses that teach the youth and older adults; lessons that I’ve acquired and learned over the years as a creative.
Contact Info:
- Email: akiosshop@gmail.com
- Website: www.byAkioEvans.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/akioevans
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AkioEvans1
- Twitter: twitter.com/akioevans
- Youtube: youtube.com/akioevans
- Other: Imdb.me/AkioEvans
