BIO: 

C WEST (b. 1997) is a singer-songwriter and abstract artist born and raised in Buffalo, NY, now residing and painting out of his studio in Gainesville, GA, located in Gainesville Square. He was an art and vocal major at both the Buffalo Academy for Visual & Performing Arts and Villa Maria College.

C WEST’s journey in music and art began at the age of 12, sketching portraits of his favorite artist, Michael Jackson, while listening to his music. Though music has always been his first love, visual art quickly became another powerful way for him to express himself. In 7th grade, he won the City of Buffalo’s Art Show for a hand-drawn portrait of President Barack Obama. In 2016, he signed his first record deal with a major label and pursued music full-time.

But in 2021, everything changed. C WEST and his family became seriously ill due to black mold exposure. As he battled extreme eczema that covered his entire body, even the smallest daily tasks became difficult—walking, getting dressed, and spending time with his wife and children were painful. In the midst of this physical and emotional battle, painting became a lifeline. It gave him something to focus on besides the pain and ultimately became a source of deep healing.

Today, C WEST creates fine art that seeks to bring that same healing to the world through story telling. His work is recently featured in The Ritz-Carlton, Lawrenceville City Hall, shown in galleries throughout Atlanta, and held in prominent private art collections across metro Atlanta, Canada and NY. 

When he’s not creating, you’ll find him with his wife Katie and their three kids—Zion, Ezra, and Cataleya—making the most of every moment together.