Illuminating Infinite Ingenuity: Creative Writer and Artist DR Smart
As part of Ohnahji University’s Black History Month series exploring the theme of “Infinite Ingenuity,” I had the privilege of interviewing the abundantly talented writer and artist David Smart, better known as DR Smart. Across our conversation, DR’s authenticity, creative brilliance, and dedication to community shone through.
Envisioning Innovative Futures Rooted in Regality
DR is a creative who infuses his writing and art with the resilience of African heritage. Inspired by visions of the Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park, he imagined his sci-fi fantasy novel From the Ashes of Tuskegee, which contemplates: “What if our people survived somehow?” during the tragedy of the Middle Passage. Drawing creative fuel from the majesty of African kings of Kush and Ethiopian queens, this novel, along with his visual story Ashes of the Mind, springs from a deep desire to honor his heritage while envisioning a bright, innovative future.
In addition to his writing, DR fuses multiple mediums to bring his ideas to life:
“I create images of ideas I think about or dream about to accompany my stories. I use multiple apps to clean up, animate, and enhance images. With OpenAI, I also use it to give me the mindset of a character, asking “What are the characteristics of a neuroscientist on average.”
Seen below, His digital art collection, Echoes of Kemet, highlights two of DR’s talents: first, his ability to blend artistic formats seamlessly, and second, how he leverages technology to bring his vibrant imagination to life.
Finding Connections in Web3 Writing
As a fellow writer, I was curious to hear more about how DR has found community within writing about Web3. When asked whether creative writing has garnered much traction within the newest evolution of the internet, DR noted that though a thriving cohort already exists in this sphere, plenty of untapped potential remains.
”I’ve found writers grouped in clusters together on the edge of Web3, just breaking things and seeing what works. Writers I know are usually introverted and stay secluded, so it is hard to bring them into the light, but a bunch of writers have inspired me to do more with my writing ideas.”
Uplifting Voices Through Amplification
While DR’s individual work radiates, his drive to support and empower other marginalized creators sparks just as brightly. He’s often found in many different communities across social media, uplifting fellow artists through sharing resources and wisdom and even donating much of his social real estate to amplify others’ endeavors. He shared:
“What keeps me on this app is seeing greatness in our people at work. It is an energy that I have seen transform people and connect them. It pulls it from the person without a voice to the person that lacks confidence. I love to support and hope this sentiment can be felt when I am present for people.”
Channeling Personal Experience into Impactful Art
Much of DR’s artistic expression is channeled from his own experiences. He believes that the two most important qualities for creative talents looking to make an impact are to share a piece of yourself in your art and to tap into your creativity. Such raw creative vulnerability forges profound connections with audiences, further engaging them in expressing your story. He continues: “Everything you read or view that I have created comes from something I have felt or experienced over the years.”
DR Smart’s creative fire, his desire to empower marginalized voices, and his vulnerable authenticity are a testament to the unlimited power of Black creators.
This Black History Month, I am honored to illuminate DR’s contributions as a way to document his influence on our culture and encourage other Black creators to tap into their infinite ingenuity. Just as DR draws inspiration from his heritage while envisioning a bright future, may his spotlight inspire fellow artists to create fearlessly, support one another, and shine ever more brightly.
