Edreys Wajed is a catalyst of inspiration and a walking enterprise of all things creative. The Buffalo native boasts a toolbox chock-full of talents and experiences ranging from a visual artist, jewelry designer, and musical entertainer, to an educator and entrepreneur with notable recognitions respectfully in each. His approach in each endeavor is soundly unique, high quality, and signature in presentation, having found his course as a creator early in life.
As early as 14 years of age, when his mother invested in a pair of hair clippers for him, seeing as she could no longer afford to pay for his haircuts, Edreys taught himself the trade of barbering and soon began making money for himself in the basement of his childhood home. With his artistic ability, he also began growing a client base and reputation for customized hats and clothes as well as logo design by hand, long before learning graphics in college. His creativity, craftsmanship, and passion to inspire people are what drive his spirit of entrepreneurship.
From touring nationally and internationally as a hip-hop artist to writing a play based off his poetry; Edreys is exceptionally diverse with his avenues of expression, including the fine craft of jewelry making, passed down from his father and master craftsman. Edreys is most recently recognized locally for his contribution as an artist on the Freedom Wall which features 28 civil rights dignitaries, seven of whom he painted with his unique style and use of line.
“Creativity is my neighbor, I live by it,” says Edreys.
Artist Statement:
“Let the guidance be the vision.” Unlike most who plan with predictable steps and procedures, my approach is obedience to my curiosity. This musing becomes the roadmap
where discomfort and disorientation yield personal growth and discovery through solution-driven, explorative art making.
I probe and meander proficiently through music, video, theater, metal smithing, illustration and painting, seeing art as language with which I am multilingual. I investigate humanity through storytelling, consumerism and social justice, with an affinity for the beauty of human error in handmade objects, mark-making and documenting human experience.
I find myself fluidly moving between disciplines, some of which merge seamlessly at times as each of my interests inform and influence one another, often. Rhythm, line, vibrant color palettes, and form are elements that bind my work as a thread across practices, whether exploring sound, figurative and abstract imagery or small wearable objects.
The energy fueling my exploration and productivity in making art is my personal objective to leave artifacts or “art of facts,” as evidence of my existence and efforts as an artist. My objective is to create beauty, positively influence the lives of others and provoke compassion, where my artistic offerings are the catalyst.
