About

I first met Mitchell in May 2017 through a friend of mine who was his roommate at the time. I had only been in NY for 2 weeks, so I was excited to meet just about anyone, especially if they were young creatives as well. I remember a bunch of us going to this artists’ studio in Ridgewood that night and vibing out, it felt like I had known them forever. Looking back on that night, I realize how fortunate I am to have been able to meet like-minded people in NY that make it less lonely to be here.

Two words that come to mind when I think of Mitch are art and family. He's a talented interdisciplinary artist whose practice includes, but not limited to, installation, painting, photography and graphic design. He was one of the few people I talked to about my concern about not knowing what medium of art to focus on. Coming from an accounting background, when I decided to fully explore my art, I doubted myself heavily and felt like an impostor. But Mitch had a way of really listening and allowing me to express my fears without interrupting or discounting my thoughts about it. Besides him being a dope artist, I think what I admire the most is his humility and respect for people. He’s a true supporter of his friends and family and I feel very honored to call him a friend. 

Mitch has shown his works at the New Museum and Pioneer Works and he is a contributor at The Black School, an experimental art school teaching art and radical Black history. He recently launched PLEX, a platform aimed to provide history, design & installation spaces for youth of colour. He is definitely one to know and I look forward to all of his future endeavors.

I asked @mitchelljreece 10 questions, check out his answers below:

What's the best thing about growing up in Houston TX & what about the city do carry with you, no matter where you go?

MR: Houston gave a me a sense of pride for the community I was raised in and also many good memories with family and friends. I grew up in the Garden City subdivision of Acres Homes and later moved to Studewood Independence Heights. These two neighborhoods were predominantly Black thriving communities. I spent summers here, went to barbershops with my cousins, basketball camps, libraries, church, schools, made good friends here and learned about the importance of education as a means of making a living for yourself. Today it gives a humble outlook on my decisions. My grandfather used a quote often, “Love many trust few, always paddle your own canoe.”

Define Design in your own words?

MR: Design is tool of communication. I always believe Design is a tool to solve a problem.

Top 3 Favorite songs?

MR: Mount Kimbie “Fall Out” / Young Jeezy ft. Bankroll Fresh “All There” / Andre 3000 “Prototype”

What's your go-to self care practice?

MR: Lately I’ve been doing a lot of prayer and meditation. Mostly affirmations that get me through the day. The way I speak to myself is the biggest form of self care.

Describe your experience of NY in 3 words

MR: Spontaneous, Empowered, Crammed.

What artists are you inspired by? and why?

MR: Artists that inspire me are Lev T Mills, Bell Hooks, Emory Douglas, Basquiat, Lorna Simpson, Kerry James Marshall, Barbara Kruger, Jenny Holzer, Hajime Soroyama, Kesh, Audre Lorde, Joseph Cuillier, James Balwdin. These artists in their different mediums respectively have shaped the way society enacts with oppression and equality. I believe each have changed the way we view our roles as potential figures of change in our ecosystems. Each have presented their own style and aesthetic disregarding what may be of popular acceptance.

What's your zodiac sign and your favorite part about being that sign?

MR: I’m a Taurus. Based on the personality traits of Taurus, I’d agree I’m pretty laid back, “loyal” and always like being around genuine people. There are some other characteristics such as stubbornness that I would agree with as well.

What role does music play in your design process?

MR: As an adolescent I would sit in my room and draw for hours listening to Outkast, Jay Z, or whoever I thought had good music that would inspire me. I still use that method today. I’ll throw on a song from Mount Kimbie and let the words do the Art making. I think the music acts as a guide. When the song ends you can see how much progress you’ve made.

Describe 8 year old Mitch, and what would he think of where you are today?

MR: 8 year old Mitch was very talkative. I would get in trouble in class sometimes because I talked too much or doodled a lot after I finished my work. I spent a lot of time with my mother at this point as well. I was curious about my surroundings. If 8 year old Mitch saw me now he’d be happy I moved to another state in search of the “artist’s dream.”

What advice do you have for the millennial generation?

MR: Don’t be afraid to fail if you're doing your best to reach your goals. Life is a marathon, enjoy the process.

Photography/Words by Ai-Creo