I’m Hebru Brantley and this is my block.
Describe what you do for a living.
When people ask me what I do, simply, I’m a creator. I’m creative. I’m a painter. I’m a sculptor.
How did your block contribute to your development as a person and as a professional?
My neighborhood influenced me and shaped me I think in a way that’s a bit different from others. The block, which I grew up on, primarily you know, was pretty desolate. It wasn’t many kids out. It wasn’t many kids around, you know I had to travel to go hang out with my friends or my peers so I think that the way that it did influence me was the fact that it wasn’t much to do but leave me alone with my thoughts, my pencil, my paper, my paints etc. So it gave a lot of time for me to just sort of dwell deep into the craft.
Describe the moment where you came into your own as a professional.
As far as me coming into my own I think that you know it’s always a growing process and it’s always one of growth. You know for me continually growing, allowing my artistry to grow, I still don’t feel as if I’ve reached a certain point in my mind where I want to be. Obviously gaining and getting recognition from different audiences around the world is always a fantastic thing. It makes me feel good. As far as my sort of pivotal moment, I think that it’s yet to sort of come. It’s a growing thing.
Describe your first memory of McDonald’s. If possible, describe a McDonald’s moment in your life that is significant to you?
I don’t remember the first time I ate McDonald’s, but I do remember my uncle, he owned a McDonald’s and I remember sort of sneaking past you know that two block radius that you were allowed to ride your bike on being at my grandmother’s and riding up to his McDonald’s and always being able to get the free you know Happy Meal or whatever. Me and my little cousins sitting outside, you know it was the closet thing to manhood that I think I had at that time being a little kid riding unsupervised you know up to McDonalds, getting my food and sitting there outside in the summer time eating my, you know, free meal just with me and my boys. I think it was definitely a bonding thing for us, you know, a growing thing for me.
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