Mark Stoddart with Spike Lee and the portrait he painted 19 years ago.

By Mark Stoddart

It is a familiar saying: “Tell me a fact and I will learn; tell me a truth and I will believe; tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever.”

This single truth has inspired and motivated each brushstroke I have swept across a canvas. While the immediate subject changes, the purpose behind my art remains the same: educate, empower and unite.

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Shelton Jackson Lee (aka Spike Lee). For me, Lee is a realist, humanitarian and a man who embraces his people using passion as his compass. An accomplished writer, director, producer, actor and author, Lee has revolutionized both the landscape of independent cinema and the role of Black talent in film.

Few would argue that he is a respected filmmaker and a forerunner in the DIY school of filmmaking. His work will go down in history as powerful coupled with a unique style of storytelling.

I’ve always felt a special connection with him. He is constantly involved with the three things that inspire me the most: sports, music and activism. Whether it was his early movie appearances ( Mars Blackmon in She’s Gotta Have It, Mookie in Do the Right Thing, Shorty in Malcolm X), Lee has always managed to send a message through his work and has shaped my consciousness to become the visionary that I am today.

As I inched closer in line at his book-signing, my excitement mounted. I felt like a fan meeting their favourite athlete or artist. I was speechless yet energized. The legendary man, whom I’ve looked up to for close to two decades, was about to sign my book!

Pulling myself together, I introduced myself, managing to utter a few quick words about him being my role model. I caught my breath and explained that while in college in 1992, I painted a portrait of him, hoping to one day present it to him personally.

My dream came true: I got to give him a copy as a token of my appreciation for inspiring me to do what I do. He graciously accepted.

The author and Spike Lee

He signed my book, “Thank you for the art ~ Spike Lee.”

After that giddy feeling left me, I realized that meeting Spike Lee and giving him my work will always be an important victory in my life. But something else was marinating in me. Something very poignant.

Sixteen years ago I created a visionary board comprised of several things I wanted to accomplish. As ridiculous and unobtainable as some may have seemed, I honestly believed in their realization. Not everything on that board has manifested, but almost everything has. Spike Lee was on that board.

Related Articles:

• Omari Hardwick: The Fight in the Dog