Art & Evolution: Cal Bonner Brings Personal Growth and Creative Visions to 'The Pop-Up!'

Multi-disciplinary artist Cal Bonner returned to the Black Media Matters studios for a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, hosted by The Big O alongside co-host Deaunte Damper. Over an expansive, emotionally raw interview, the Seattle-based creative entrepreneur opened up about his creative journey, past public controversies, struggles with accountability, and how fatherhood has radically elevated his life frequency.

Bonner, founder of The VI Family Studios, brought several physical art pieces into the studio, including a prized, personally signed portrait of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle and a tribute to pop-star Chris Brown.

Accountability and Moving Past Gun Violence

The theme of "creation over elimination" took a personal turn as the hosts discussed an uptick in local gun violence, prompting Bonner to share a candid reflection regarding his own past.

"I was a victim of victimizing someone with a gun," Bonner said. "It came from my subconscious of listening to it, by the way. You know, 'I would rather shoot before I run.'"

Bonner described the psychological toll that period took on him, revealing he suffered from debilitating PTSD for months. "I didn't want to go out of the house because I thought somebody wanted to get me now," he said.

Today, Bonner uses his platform to send an uncompromising message to youth caught in the same cycle. 

"No one wins with a gun. No one. Even if you win, even if you shoot somebody and kill them, you still lose,” he said. To distance himself from negative patterns, Bonner credited a complete overhaul of his social circle and digital habits. 

Nipsey Hussle, Chris Brown, and Inside the Artist's Brain

During the interview, Bonner showcased a sentimental piece of art: a portrait personally signed by hip-hop icon Nipsey Hussle before his passing.

"The reason why I started painting Nipsey in the first place is because he told us that our marathon is our marathon," Bonner said. "That's what made me go back to school and graduate... He pretty much changed my life because I was ready to drop out of school and not care."

Bonner also highlighted a complex, neon-tinged UV-light painting of Chris Brown, calling it his "most complete painting.”

"This painting is more of me going into his mind thinking what he's thinking because we're both artists," Bonner said. "People look at him as Michael Jackson. He looks at himself as an alien... I feel like I'm an alien. He feels like he's rare. I feel like I'm rare.”

The VI Family Ecosystem and Black Love

Looking forward, Bonner’s ultimate goal rests in building a creative sanctuary for the Pacific Northwest through his organization The VI Family Studios. Derived from Seattle's "6" regional identifier, VI represents a vision of accessibility.

In a tender concluding moment, Bonner brought his infant son, Lucky Love, onto the set, delivering an emotional message on what he wants his art and legacy to represent.

"Your name is Lucky Love. There's no way that you can ever show bad luck, bad love,” he said directly to his son. “Because me and your mama are showing you exactly what real love is. We are going to be the best example you're ever going to have... and also, you can always let go of your ego to become who you need to be."

Fans can follow Cal Bonner across all social media platforms and subscribe to The VI Family YouTube channel to track the upcoming launch of the VI Family Studios nonprofit.

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

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