ROCKY COTARD
Rocky Cotard, born in Mirebalais Haiti and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, places himself between two cultures as a bridge for artistic international connections. He received his BFA in Illustration at Lesley University College of Art and Design on a full tuition scholarship. Rocky’s paintings, prints, illustrations and murals dig into his identity and lineage to collect his endangered history, to reclaim his narrative, and to build cultural pride.
At current Rocky is working on a podcast titled The Starving Artist Podcast, murals, logos, and commissions.
Website: rockycotard.com
ARTIST Q&A
Born: Mirebalais, Haiti
Currently lives: Mattapan, MA
Title of artwork: De Flé
What’s it about? There is such weight in an artist who creates work based on deeply rooted trauma. In attempt to heal myself in consideration of the trauma I find that I can in some ways inflict pain upon myself. To counteract this chain reaction I weave in projects that bring me unfiltered joy. This piece is just that, I wanted to make a piece that was recognizable but also very different. I asked myself, how can I make 2 pac into something different and next thing I knew, I was making him into a flower vase with swimmers within. Then I said, maybe I should make a T-shirt out of this, and then I did.
Where else can we find your work? https://thenib.com/author/rocky-cotard/
Where have you been finding inspiration as an artist lately? God, Creation, life, music, movement, and experimentation.
One thing you learned about your self or creative practice during COVID-19? I learned that I love teaching art and I have the ability to do it.
Where is your favorite public art piece in the area? Problak at 808 Tremont Street, and Destiny Palmer at Gallivan Community Center
What would your last meal be? Honestly a PB&J
Go-to karaoke song? Pa Leve Main Ou Sou Li – System Band
Title / Author you would choose if it was your turn to host Book Club? Edwidge Danticatt or Tracey Baptiste
Favorite take-out spot in Allston/Brighton? Lulu’s Allston
