Gee Horton, a local Cincinnati artist, is creating waves with his multi-part mural series "Coming of Age" for BLINK. This groundbreaking project marks the first multi-part mural series in BLINK's history and the first event in ArtsWave’s 2024-25 Flow Pass season. We asked Gee to discuss his inspiration, creative process, and advice for aspiring artists.

Q&A with Gee Horton

1. What does "Coming of Age" represent?
"Coming of Age" is about reconnecting with the parts of ourselves we've lost—our passions, creativity, and sense of wonder. It's a journey of breaking free from expectations and rediscovering who we truly are, inviting viewers to reflect on their own paths of growth.

2. What inspired you to create these pieces?
I was inspired to tell a story that's honest, complex, and beautiful, highlighting the subtle process of maturation. Engaging family members—subjects I deeply connect with—made this work personal and meaningful. It's about rediscovering joy and authenticity in my journey.

3. What influences you to create the work that you do?
I'm passionate about crafting narratives that invite connection and reflection. Through art, I explore identity and history, offering space for viewers to engage with the stories that resonate deeply within them.

4. What advice do you have for budding artists in Cincinnati?
 Stay true to your voice. Your unique perspective is your strength. Keep learning, be consistent, and embrace creative risks. Cincinnati has a vibrant arts scene—use it to make your mark.

5. Do you listen to music when you're creating? Can you share your playlist with us?
Yes, music is essential to my creative process. My playlist ranges from jazz and neo-soul to instrumental hip-hop. Artists like Robert Glasper, Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders, Slauson Malone and Kendrick Lamar inspire me, adding an emotional layer that evolves with my work.

Gee Horton's "Coming of Age" series promises to be a highlight of BLINK. Through his powerful, personal artwork, viewers will be able to reflect on their own journeys of growth and self-discovery. You can discover it firsthand and hear directly from Gee about his work at the first Flow Pass subscriber-only event of the season on Saturday, October 5.

Gee Horton’s mural unveiling is part of ArtsWave’s Flow Pass series. Subscribe today for access to all five EPIC Black-centered arts experiences and social gatherings across genres and organizations, all for one low advance price. Learn more at artswave.org/flow.