About Depicting Our People’s Excellence
Depicting Our People’s Excellence (D.O.P.E.) is a collectible art brand dedicated to honoring influential people of color who have shaped American culture. Through meticulously crafted art figurines, D.O.P.E. aims to celebrate the achievements and contributions of historical and cultural icons who have often been overlooked in the art collectible space. Founded by Acori Honzo, LaWanda Shepherd, Larry Robertson, and Saddler Ward Tilghman, Depicting Our People’s Excellence is committed to promoting diversity, representation, and empowerment through art.
ACORI HONZO
LAWANDA SHEPHERD
The House of Honzo is a Philadelphia-based creative team comprised of husband and wife Acori Honzo and LaWanda Shepherd.
Acori is a multimedia artist who focuses primarily on sculpting and prototype development. Influences range from Basquiat and Norman Rockwell to comic book artist like Alex Ross. His works directly respond to the surrounding environment and uses everyday experiences, nostalgia, and moments in history as a starting point.
LaWanda Shepherd blends both creative and business as Operations Manager for Depicting Our Peoples Excellence aka DOPE - the first high-end art figurine line focused on influential people of color.
Acori and LaWanda are founding members of Let's Be Onyx(LBO). Let's Be Onyx, is a new cutting-edge powerhouse collaboration of five accomplished entities, all with a rich history of pop-culture success. (letsbeonyx.com)
Together, they develop thought provoking projects that aim to honor the past and inspire the future of art and collectibles.
LARRY ROBERTSON
Larry Robertson, a versatile artist, hails from Cleveland, Ohio, where he was born and raised. Rooted in the values of the Midwest, Larry embodies a blue-collar work ethic that permeates his diverse creative pursuits.
From designing and styling clothing to directing brand creative endeavors, Larry's talents span multiple disciplines. He is also an accomplished poet, having written and performed two books of poetry titled "Words Saved Lives" and "Earth Based Poems." Additionally, Larry's passion for music has taken him on an international journey as a DJ.
In his most recent endeavor, Larry has taken on the role of a cultural curator and community leader. He is the founder of WIT Contemporary BIPOC Gallery, a platform dedicated to uplifting Black and Brown artists and fostering inspiration in Columbus, Ohio.
Larry Robertson's artistic journey is a testament to his commitment to creativity, community, and cultural representation.
SADDLER WARD TILGHMAN
Saddler Ward, also known as Quan Zilla (@QuanZillions), is a seasoned veteran in the music and television industries, boasting a remarkable 12-year career. With four years dedicated to pre and post-production at a special-effects film production facility, Saddler has honed his skills in bringing creative visions to life.
In 2007, Saddler embarked on his dream project, producing the anime "Speed Racer Lives." This endeavor allowed his team to secure the rights to develop toys and expand the iconic "Speed Racer Universe" through reimagined webisodes, showcasing his innovative approach to storytelling.
A graduate of Temple University's esteemed Radio, Television Film program, Saddler holds a degree in specialized technology from Hussian College. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Pharrell, The Roots, Wu Tang Clan, Tupac Shakur, and Queen Latifah, among others, demonstrating his versatility both behind and in front of the camera.
Before the pandemic, Saddler toured the country alongside NBA champion Rasheed Wallace, illustrating and animating Rasheed's vision of modernized cartoons, video games, and comic books. Presently, Saddler channels his creative energy into producing captivating content with a talented team, exemplified by projects like "Fishing for the Soul."
In his day-to-day endeavors, Saddler engages in drawing, programming, and writing for various mediums, including apps, animated shorts, immersive content, and virtual reality experiences. Alongside Wallace, he co-founded Kids Entertainment Rocks, a brand committed to delivering engaging entertainment for young audiences.
With a thriving YouTube channel boasting 65,000 subscribers, Saddler is recognized as the ultimate multi-hyphenate, excelling as a video game producer, fabricator, prop master, content creator, and toy designer. His motto, "I speak for my work & My work speaks for itself," encapsulates his dedication to producing impactful and memorable content.