By Staff
Few artists possess the rare ability to transform paint into testimony. For acclaimed artist Dr. Thomas E. Lockhart III, every canvas is more than a visual masterpiece—it is a sacred expression of faith, cultural remembrance, and unwavering hope. His stunning new coffee table book, Painting in the Spirit, invites readers into a deeply personal journey where artistry meets purpose, and where every brushstroke honors the resilience, dignity, and triumph of the African American experience. In this conversation, Lockhart reflects on the divine inspiration behind his work, the responsibility of preserving Black history through art, and the legacy he hopes will continue inspiring generations long after the final page is turned.
What inspired you to create Painting in the Spirit, and at what point did you realize your life’s work deserved to be preserved in a coffee table book rather than a traditional art catalog?
Creating a book celebrating my artwork had always been a dream, but for many years I wasn’t certain how to bring that vision to life. That changed when I met Taroue W. Brooks, who immediately recognized the significance of documenting my artistic journey in a way that would transcend a traditional catalog. He helped develop a strategy that transformed an idea into reality. Together, we created a coffee table book that not only showcases my work but also tells the deeper story behind the art, preserving it as a lasting legacy for generations to come.
The title Painting in the Spirit suggests that your work is guided by something greater than technique. What does “painting in the spirit” mean to you, both as an artist and as a man of faith?
Painting in the spirit is a reflection of my personal relationship with Yahweh, the Most High. Before I begin every painting, I pray over the canvas and ask that whoever encounters the finished work will receive a blessing from it. Each piece begins with a canvas painted entirely black, and from that darkness I gradually reveal the story God has placed in my heart.
For me, painting is an act of worship. It is never about my ability alone; it is about trusting God through every stage of the creative process—from inspiration and planning to purpose and execution. Every completed work is an offering of gratitude, giving all glory to the Creator who guides my hands.
Your artwork often celebrates the beauty, dignity, and resilience of the African American experience. How do you hope this book contributes to the preservation of Black cultural history for future generations?
My hope is that Painting in the Spirit becomes part of a larger movement to preserve our history through art. Every page documents not only artistic expression but also the perseverance, brilliance, and achievements of African Americans throughout history. I want future generations to see that every brushstroke represents resilience, excellence, and the unwavering determination of a people who have continually transformed adversity into triumph.
Many people see a finished painting but never witness the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual journey behind it. What do you hope readers discover as they move through the pages of this collection?
I hope readers will spend time with each painting and look beyond its surface. My desire is for every image to spark curiosity, encourage personal reflection, and even inspire people to research the historical subjects and themes represented throughout the book. If the artwork encourages someone to learn more about our shared history or discover something new about themselves, then it has fulfilled its purpose.
Ultimately, I believe these works belong in homes, schools, businesses, museums, and public spaces around the world because they tell stories that deserve to be seen, discussed, and remembered.
Throughout your distinguished career, your work has balanced realism with profound storytelling. How has your artistic voice evolved over the years, and how is that evolution reflected in this book?
I’ve always embraced artistic diversity and found inspiration in cultures across the world. As my career evolved, however, my focus became increasingly centered on documenting the African American experience and highlighting our extraordinary contributions to both America and the global community.
This book reflects that evolution. It is my commitment to telling our stories with dignity, intelligence, and creativity while celebrating the grace, innovation, and perseverance that have defined our people—even in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Every artist creates at least one piece that forever changes them. Is there a painting featured in this collection that transformed you personally, and what is the story behind it?
One of the most transformative works in the collection is The Mothership. The painting tells the story of our journey through the Transatlantic Slave Trade—from our ancestral origins, through unimaginable suffering, toward a future filled with hope and restoration.
At the helm stands a woman who embodies strength, faith, and comfort. Despite the chaos surrounding her, she remains steadfast because she believes her people will endure and ultimately overcome. Beneath the water lie coins from the 1800s, symbolizing the countless lives lost at sea and the tragic reality of human beings reduced to financial chattel. Yet the painting is ultimately one of hope. The Lion of Judah serves as an eternal spiritual guide, reminding us that even through adversity, our faith and identity can never be destroyed.
Coffee table books often become conversation pieces within a home. Beyond admiring the artwork, what conversations do you hope Painting in the Spirit inspires among families, collectors, students, and art enthusiasts?
I hope these images become part of meaningful conversations about who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going as a people and as a global community. More importantly, I want readers to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments that have emerged from perseverance and faith.
My greatest hope is that every person who opens this book leaves inspired, uplifted, and more hopeful than when they first turned the opening page.
When readers close Painting in the Spirit, what do you hope they remember—not simply about your paintings, but about your legacy, your purpose, and the enduring power of art to heal, educate, and inspire?
Above all, I hope readers remember that no matter where they come from or what obstacles they face, they possess the ability to create extraordinary things. Every challenge presents an opportunity to grow stronger, discover purpose, and share one’s unique gifts with the world.
If my legacy encourages even one person to believe more deeply in themselves, embrace their history, and pursue their calling with courage and faith, then my life’s work has fulfilled its greatest purpose. Art has the power to heal, educate, inspire, and unite—and I hope these paintings continue doing exactly that for generations to come.
About The Author
