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When Lynde Washington was born in 1977, in Washington D.C., he had two things in his hands, a paintbrush in one and a football in the other. Washington was introduced to the world of art and football from two of the most influential people in his life, his great- grandfather and his father. His great-grandfather, Lynnwood "Lynde" Jordan was a well respected artist who taught the young Lynde how to draw at the age of six. At the same time his father Joseph Washington was teaching Lynde the art of football. Throughout most of his life, Washington was torn between his love of art and his passion for football. Lynde attended University of Maryland on a full athletic scholarship where he received a bachelor's degree in Fine Art and Art History. While attending graduate school on another full scholarship at Hofstra University on Long Island, New York, he was picked up by the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent and his artistic career was put on hold. After playing in the NFL, Lynde played in minor football leagues such as XFL and Arena Football. It was at this time he made the decision to work in the private sector and spend all his free time painting. What differentiates Lynde from other artists is his focus on the diverse aspects of the Black culture from his memories of growing up in the late 70's, 80's and 90'. It is his passion to capture his generation, his people and his culture in the works of art he creates. Lynde's artwork is exciting, bold and expressive. Not only is he fascinated by the human form, but emotions, body language and movement inspire him as well. By cropping his images, Lynde brings his subjects up close and personal, spontaneous yet intimate. "It's all right there in the moment like putting a movie on pause". |