Harnessing the power of visual storytelling
For more than 20 years, Corey Barksdale has worked as a professional artist—painting murals, illustrating books, and designing artwork for films like Get Out and Superfly and the television series Atlanta. Many of his creations center on African American history.
Barksdale, President of the Gwinnett Harbingers Toastmasters Club in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and a member of the Gwinnett-Tucker Toastmasters Club in Tucker, Georgia, graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Atlanta College of Art in 1994. His work has been exhibited in an art museum in Marietta, Georgia, and is on display at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Inspired by artists like Romare Bearden, John Biggers, Aaron Douglas, and William Tolliver, he is strongly committed to his heritage, and his art often represents his experiences and how he identifies himself.
“Throughout my life, I’ve been an unorthodox, creative, and free thinker regarding religion, race, fashion, and art. They say unconventional thinking is the lifeblood of innovation.”
What type of art do you specialize in, and where is your artwork shown?
I work in the fine arts, including as a muralist, illustrator, and live painter. As an illustrator, I recently completed 40 illustrations for the book The Night Before Freedom, published by Random House. As a muralist, I created a large mural and sculpture in Dublin, Georgia, recognizing the day a 15-year-old Martin Luther King Jr. won an essay competition at a local church and then presented it as a speech, on April 17, 1944.
Your art often feels like it’s moving and alive. Can you share more about your process?
I create with themes of music, rhythm, and diversity to enliven Atlanta streets and highlight life’s richness, beauty, and expression. My art, which is centered on my experiences and community, embraces life and culture and reflects love, inclusion, and diversity. My love of colors—generously expressed with bold strokes—represents the richness and vivid expressions of all cultures. Life would be pretty plain without color.
My art celebrates the local Atlanta community, music, and culture, promoting love and acceptance for the things that bring us together and the differences that make us unique. I try to produce a rich drumbeat through dynamic creative expression.
How did The Night Before Freedom come about?
It came about through a collaboration with the talented writer Glenda Armand. Random House contacted me about illustrating approximately 40 pages for this inspirational children’s book. It’s told from the perspective of a child named Bess, who dreams about what emancipation means to her—angels flying through the sky and glory forever after. I was so excited to work on such a significant topic.
Why did you join Toastmasters?
To increase my communication and public speaking skills and overcome my fear of public speaking. I understood that by giving speeches and working through the Pathways program, I would build confidence in the public speaking and presentation arena.
Following the release of the book, I had more opportunities for speaking engagements. I held my first major book signing at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, which also displays large mural-size images of my artwork in the food court. My experience in Toastmasters helped me feel more comfortable and articulate that day. In the future, I plan to speak at book fairs, literary festivals, and community events.
Do you give speeches about your artwork?
I regularly give presentations about my art in my own clubs and other local clubs I visit. I receive valuable feedback and hone my presentation skills there. I’ve also been invited to speak at several local schools.
In 2012 I had the honor of serving as the official artist for the Atlanta Jazz Festival—one of the largest free jazz festivals in the United States—creating the official poster art and being presented alongside the mayor of Atlanta at the kick-off celebration.
How is Toastmasters helping you personally and as an artist?
“I’m an introvert, so Toastmasters is helping me move outside of my comfort zone.”
I enjoy getting into my studio and creating art to the sounds of jazz, blues, and house music. Still, over the years I realized I needed to sharpen other business and social skills to thrive as a visual artist. Developing as a speaker helps me build relationships with clients and fellow artists and promote my work.
Since joining, I find myself engaging people in public and social spaces more often—something I wasn’t interested in before. My mentor, Susie Corbett, has been a crucial source of positive reinforcement, telling me to keep going and keep improving.
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