For Misfits Only: Seen Behind the Scene

Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn has its fair share of talented individuals. And they just keep coming. Meet Dwayne Mathis. He’s is an artist. Directing, writing, and simply expresses himself creatively. Directing is an art l secretly love (really, love). So it was more than a pleasure to chat with a man who is in control of his aptitude.
(Be sure to check out Brooklyn artist Phever’s video for “2 Hard” directed by Dwayne Mathis after the jump).

What are you wearing right now?
Ralph Lauren sleeping pants and a $2 dollar long john shirt.

$2 sounds sweet.
I’ve had this for years, got it from a store in downtown Brooklyn whose name escapes me at the moment.

Are you in the US legally?
Yes, if you don’t take into consideration that my ancestors were brought here illegally.

Do you remember your first kiss?
Her name was Kelly and it was in the 2nd grade.

Started early?
Yeah, even then I thought, “She’s thick.”

Were you the man in high school?
No not at all.

Do you like to take pictures of yourself?
Yes and no. I mess around with the camera on my laptop.

Tell me about your most embarrassing moment.
Most embarrassing, wow. I was at gym and some of my friends were running and doing flips on this mat. So I tried it and I didn’t tighten the drawstring on my sweats. So when I ran and flipped, my sweats and under wear ended up around my ankles while in mid flip.

Nice. What’s your occupation?
Film Director, Photographer and Writer.

What inspires you to direct?
The ability to have people step outside of themselves and experience if only for a moment how other people are living and hopefully not be so quick to judge when they’re out in the real world. It’s easy off of the tangible alone, for people to draw conclusions, assume and make false accusations about people just off of their own irrational and tainted views.

What kind of writing are you into?
Screenwriting, copywriting and social critiquing. I guess you can say creative writing.

With the fields that you work in, what are the most difficult things you face?
Being a perfectionist. It can become unhealthy at times especially when the back of my head starts throbbing.

At that point do you start poppin’ pills?
Well I have high cholesterol so that coupled with stress could bring on a stroke. So I take baby aspirin which experts say is good for reducing strokes. That and drink a lot of water. When my head starts hurting I’d rather not take any chances.

What song do you think is the ultimate panty dropper?
There are some songs that are good for that, but I’ve never had to use a song to drop the panties.

So how does it happen?
Dwayne: Touch ‘em where they need to be touched and tell ‘em what they need to hear.

What’s the role of a woman in a relationship?
It is her role first and foremost to have a life of her own and not settle. After she has all of that out of the way she should be as supportive and understanding as possible while rationally and reasonably doing whatever is possible to sustain the relationship. Know when your being emotional and when your reasonably.

When did you know you wanted to be a director?
About two years ago after working on many small projects for years before that.

How would you describe your style?
It’s an amalgam of the hood, good tailoring and quality textiles. I love out right quality. No matter the label or the designer, I refused to be beat in the head. I got away from describing my style I would say it’s comfortable, non-pretentious and timeless. There’s nothing worst then being head to toe in a trend.

What’s the last book you read?
I’m currently reading two books; Ogilvy on Advertising and Atlas Shrugged.

Do you have an ultimate beauty secret?
Kiehl’s Tea Tree Oil shampoo and conditioner. Placing a wet towel in the microwave for about 2 minutes and placing it over my face. It opens the pores and allows for a better shave. Yeah! That’s my beauty secret.

I love Kiehl’s!
That and Lab series for men. I hate cheap products it’s your body for God’s sake.

What’s the biggest misconception about men?
That all of them are men.

What’s the best way for you to get over someone?
I’ve never had to get over anyone. When I’m done I’m done

What’s your sign?
Sagittarius.

When’s the last time you’ve been to a strip club?
My 21st birthday was the last time I was in an official strip club. I’ve been to a few house parties since then where strippers were working the room.

Do you wash your face everyday?
Yeah, twice.

You never just, ya know, fall asleep and forget?
I never forget but I will say, “Fuck it! I’m exhausted.”

What was the first concert you attended?
Puff Daddy World tour back in the day. Puff Daddy. Remember that?
Puffy!

What can’t you live without?
Organic food, reading, music, family & friends and a Starbucks Venti Skim Latte, my blackberry, and my Moleskine.

What’s your relationship status with Hip Hop?
I love Hip Hop and like anything that you love, you have your moments where you despise it. It feeds a lot of black family’s while simultaneously promoting negative behavior that ultimately destroys black families.

Floor or counter?
Floor. It allows for more positions. Plus, missionary makes them love you.

Do you carry a man purse?
On occasion.

What’s your favorite Mariah Carey song?
Bliss on the Rainbow album.

What do you think of people who sleep on trains?
They’re brave.

What are your guilty pleasures right now?
I ate a pint of strawberry cheesecake ice cream for breakfast yesterday.

What inspires you to be creative?
The amount of ignorance permeating the universe, specifically here in America and amongst people of color. You can pray to Jesus all you want but get off your ass.