Embrace the Trippy: The Visionary Worlds of Durell Baxter
Durell Baxter’s art is a journey into surreal mindscapes, blending vibrant visuals, storytelling, and music. With his signature phrase, “Embrace the Trippy,” he invites viewers to feel, not just see, his work—transforming memories, emotions, and experiences into immersive creations.
Now, in his own words, Baxter shares his story:
What’s up my dudes, my name is Durell Baxter, and my art is all about witnessing a journey to a destination you weren't hoping you take, but you're glad you've found. Traveling to the depths of my mindscape to see the world from my perspective. Understanding that each piece is not just an ordinary surreal/realistic portrait of an imaginary scenario, but a memoir of a series of events that represents me, my interests, my experiences, my friends, things I see, hear, think about, talk about, etc. and are transformed into my characters and backgrounds.
My slogan for my art is "Embrace the Trippy'' and when I use the term "Embrace the Trippy" it doesn't just mean to be mesmerized with the sometimes-psychedelic nature of my color scheme, imageries, or backgrounds, but to understand what I say when I present the art as well. When I present my art and talk about it, I would always tell the viewers about it in my own poetic, philosophical, and enlightening way that gives them a sense of relatability in a manner of speaking. I also create instrumentals as soundtracks for certain individual artworks as well. So, when people look at my art while listening to my instrumentals, and listen to the story behind each piece, it makes them say/think “wow, that’s trippy, ” hence, the slogan. They may feel it, they may feel the statements, they feel the music, and it may resonate with their interest, personality, taste, and current or past experiences. As if they were in the space with me when they happened or were created.
Other than that, I create for the fun, the passion, the ambition, the humor, and the knowledge to continue the path that I am on, to be recognized as the visionary that I am. As well as get my art into galleries, have people that vibe with my style buy my art, meet other artists, meet famous artists I’ve looked up to for years, and continue from there. You know, see what else can happen from there...
He continues:
I’m a multidisciplinary visual artist, writer, realist, surrealist, and storyteller who creates imaginary scenarios reflecting my real-life experiences from various standpoints and emotions. These experiences are based on what’s happening in the art itself or what I express about it. My works tell an intertwined sequence of stories, each connected to the previous one.
My slogan/theme for my art is ‘Embrace… The… Trippy…’ which means not only being mesmerized by the sometimes psychedelic nature of my color schemes, imagery, and settings, but also understanding the literal and figurative meanings behind the art. I present what I create and discuss it from a poetic, enlightening, and philosophical perspective, aiming to give my audience a sense of relatability. I constantly ask myself the ‘what ifs’ to bring people closer to experiencing the unfamiliar and seeing how it makes them feel.
- Durell Baxter
Can you tell us about your journey as an artist? How did it all begin?
My journey as an artist began while drawing daily with my family members and doodling for fun in middle school. My friends and family members would tell me that I had a "knack", a "quirk", or a "talent". And it stuck with me every since to this day. Then I decided to go to school for it and pursue an art career.
How would you describe your art style and how has it evolved over time?
My art style would be described as a realistic, surreal realm of whimsy and imagination with, a 90's/ early 2000's vibe to it. My art has evolved realistic over time trying to capture the right essence of every facial feature, texture, and surface in every and any form with details.
Do you find inspiration in other disciplines,such as music,literature or film?
Yes. Music, literature, and film play a heavenly role in inspiration for my art. I create from emotion and experience, so anything can catch my eye and inspire me. In my art, I can be the main character of my own story, and it can be as close to being a real feeling you watch in the media and be in real life.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your artistic journey so far?
The most challenging aspect of my artistic journey so far is continuing the chapters. Trying to find new muses and inspiration can be hard, but not unattainable. New emotions and memories are created everyday, so I should be able to find challenges welcoming when it comes to my art.
What has been your most meaningful or memorable project to date?
My most meaningful project to date is my Chapters project. Where I'm telling an intertwined sequence of events that are within the same story. The art piece/story continues after its previous incarnation.
How do you see the role of art in society today?
I see the role of art in society as a game-changer, a catalyst for change. Memoirs of imagery that can impact communities with its message or messages.
What do you hope people feel or take away when they view your art?
I hope people experience the unfamiliar when they look at my art and see how it makes them feel. To bring more people closer to the unknown of the art world and the meaning behind the piece you see before you.
Contact Info:
Name: Durell Baxter
Instagram Handle: @deviant_workshop
Phone Number: 347-516-6682
Email: durellb197@gmail.com/chipmunkboy978@gmail.com