Lamont Joseph White wants to celebrate people of color in winter sports. His best way to depict that is through his creative pursuits, like paintings, illustrations, and graphic designs. Inclusion and diversity have always been important to White, and by taking a brush to canvas, he “hopes to expand perspectives, open dialogues, and spark change.” He wants to create a sense of joy, strength, and belonging on the slopes. The more he can inspire people of color to take to the mountains, the more others will embrace it.
White is originally from the New York metropolitan area, where he gained his visual inspiration. He received his BFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. After graduating, White worked in the fashion industry, illustrating ad campaigns and editorials for Adidas, Converse, Cole Haan, Amalfi Shoes, and many more. He started skiing and snowboarding in his twenties and says, “the mountains have always spoken to me and have been a place of reflection and joy, unlike any other setting.” He and his wife moved to Park City in 2012, where he continues to inspire others to get into the mountains.
FAVORITE art ADVENTURES FROM THE inclusive painter:
1. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FIVE PICKS ON WHERE TO DISCOVER LOCAL ART?
There are many local galleries that I enjoy visiting to see the latest pieces from local artists. It’s always fun to see what’s new in these spaces. Amongst my favorites are Gallery Mar, Susan Swartz Studios, and Julie Nester Gallery.
2. You have a range of talents and accomplishments in painting, illustration, snowboarding, and beyond. Highlight a few of your accomplishments that bring you the greatest pride, and talk a bit about why?
The arts and sports, generally, have always captured my attention and passion. The ability to recreate in the mountains, whether snowboarding, hiking, or mountain biking is incredibly rewarding and healthy for me: like a day biking in Deer Valley or the Mid Mountain Trail, then relaxing with a drink or bite to eat at Silver Star Cafe. Artistically, to see and know that my art is encouraging black and brown folks and, as importantly, children to get outside and see themselves in places they may not have dreamed of gives me a lot of joy. Like they say, “If you can see it, you can be it.” I’m happy to be a part of that philosophy.
3. What are some of your favorite ways and favorite places to relax and recharge in Summit County?
I love to relax and have a beverage, just like the average Parkite or visitor. Some of my favorites are High West Saloon, Handle, Hearth and Hill, The St. Regis Deer Valley, Kuchu Shabu, and Riverhorse on Main.
4. Can you tell us more about your upcoming collaboration with Deer Valley Resort
I’m creating paintings on some retired lift chairs of black and indigenous people. These chairs will be located at Deer Valley Resort in different areas where guests can sit on them or just enjoy the artwork of various artists. I look forward to seeing them at the base and mid-mountain areas on the mountain very soon.
5. Artists and creators have always been an important part of the culture and fabric of life in Summit County. What do you hope to see for the future of the area’s artistic community?
There are some great artists in this community, like Greg Wilson and Bridgette Meinhold, but I would like to see more representation in the town’s visual art community. I paint and design with black and brown people, sometimes skiers, partly because I see this visually lacking in my community. In the future, I hope to be part of bringing in more varied voices to the cultural and artistic norms here in Park City.
6. Why is Park City/Summit County’s art and culture scene (i.e. culinary, film, visual art, music, and performance scenes) important?
Personally, it’s important that Park City lead artistically and culturally. Sundance Institute is an example of an organization that pushes the boundaries or the status quo and norms, especially during the Sundance Film Festival. If Park City differentiated itself artistically and culturally from the typical mountain town expectations and norms, that would have an impact and importance to locals and visitors alike.
Susan Swartz gallery by Mark Maziarz
Handle
Hearth and Hill
Photo courtesy of Sundance Institute: Maya Dehlin
check out some of Lamont Joseph white’s work:
Find Lamont Joseph White art at the following: