Houston born artist, Charles Perry Jr., was a small boy indigenous to a proverbial lion’s den who discovered an innate interface with “boundary-breaking” in early academics. Despite his “at-risk youth” qualifications, he was quickly acknowledged for exhibiting expressive creativity, and aggressive passion. His encoded identity boasted its algorithm of “outlaw” especially and clearly when he became the first in his family to ever graduate high school. He’s been pressure-testing parameters ever since.
After serving Five years in the U.S. Marine Corps, he emerged a decorated Sargent with a heart full of muse, a mind storm of wartime memories, and an artistic repertoire as well trained & mature as the marine smoldering inside.
Following an honorable discharge, he relocated to Charlotte NC, where he asserted himself as a poet in the local open mic scene. From the batch of ashes behind his unfamiliar face raised a blazing phoenix bellowing a voice of obscure mystery which seized attention and captivated minds.
They knew him as C.P. Maze…this labyrinth of legacy and life experience whose words commanded silence among crowds only to splinter the same hush with narratives of hard-earned knowledge. His vast scope of insights contained an arsenal of topics depicting everything from love and relationships to economy and politics. The honesty and intensity of his work were quick to gain public praise, as he spoke of hope and hopelessness, peace and war, unity and division. His skillful stanzas were wrought with poignant imagery and vigorous metaphor. His explosive vocal style and iconic stage presence earned a considerable following. He was sought by hosts from other local venues, and patrons would venture from other states to hear him perform. In less than a year he became a fixture in the writing community and a commodity in the performing arts arena.
These rising tides of accomplishment inevitably tickled his inherent proclivity for contradicting limits and were merely the precursor to a surge of currents with even greater impact. Over the next few years Maze devoted himself tirelessly to the expansion of art by any means necessary…better yet, by every means possible…
Seeking to inspire in ways that might expand the realm of expression he sprawled creative energy into music, photography, painting, graphic design, and theater. He frequently mentored writers from all avenues of the craft. Bloggers, playwrights, columnists, novelists, etc. He took action through collaborations… jam sessions…writing circles…workshops…enthusiastically cultivating any interest he might find. Anything and everything an artist could indulge…he encouraged.
Perry is, simply put, an artist for art’s sake. A creative powerhouse with a truly diverse palate of expressive capabilities. Despite his mastery of literary skills and his phenomenal performance value, he still maintains a spirit of humility, a robust appetite for learning, and a genuine desire to help other artists grow.
To live through art, and have art live through you…
is perhaps
to live the love, you will love to death…
composed by :: Mania Rosen ::
