Multi-talented athlete and artist Desmond Mason is known for his prowess both on the basketball court and behind the canvas.
A high school basketball star, Desmond earned a scholarship to Oklahoma State University (OSU), where he majored in Studio Art and led the OSU Cowboys to the Elite Eight in 2000. Desmond was soon drafted by the Seattle Supersonics, winning the 2001 NBA Dunk Contest and playing 10 seasons in the NBA for various teams.
Today, Desmond is a celebrated international visual artist. He divides his time between the U.S. and Cabo San Lucas, where he finds inspiration in Mexico’s vibrant culture and natural beauty. Desmond’s passions for art and life in Mexico have converged in his latest designation as the official resident artist at DEELUM, a leading luxury real estate development company in Tulum. Founded by Michael Dee, DEELUM cultivates a welcoming community of innovators and tastemakers centered around naturally-inspired sanctuaries in the heart of Mexico’s distinguished Riviera Maya.
Artwork by Desmond Mason
“I selected DEELUM as a partner because of the vision they have to bring beauty to Tulum and all of Mexico in an artistic and creative way,” says Desmond Mason. “What I’m looking forward to most is expanding DMASON ART more and creating works that new clients will love in their home. I’m also looking forward to offering DEELUM and its residents the same quality and beauty that they are accustomed to.”
Deelum’s Casa Tikal
READ MORE: Deelum Launches in Tulum: Bringing Elevated Living to Mexico’s Organic Magnificence
A natural collaboration, Desmond and Michael originally met in Mexico and have known each other over 10 years, both sharing a deep love for the country and its people and culture. Desmond and his family have found a true second home in Mexico, where they celebrate many holidays, birthdays and anniversaries under the colorful Mexican sky.
“Desmond Mason is more than an artist, he’s a man of his word,” says Michael Dee. “Desmond creates more than pieces of art, he creates lasting memories that influence people’s lives and touch their hearts. The Deelum family welcomes Desmond as our preferred in-house artist for every type of project that can be customized to your home and lifestyle.”
Artwork by Desmond Mason
The partnership grants DEELUM residents the experiences of solo art exhibitions and events by Desmond, giving them the rare opportunity to become a collector of his works and join his extensive collector group, which includes the likes of George Clooney, Cindy Crawford, Michael Phelps and more. Available services include the ability to commission original paintings, sculptures and photography to uniquely fit homes, space curation and all things art related.
“We believe this partnership will enhance the artistic experience for residents by opening their eyes to new bodies of work created specifically for their style or their personal taste,” says Desmond.
Learn more about Desmond and his artwork below and visit www.deelum.com to discover your dream home in the heart of the Mexican jungle.
Desmond Mason with his son on the court
Name: Desmond Mason
Instagram: @dmasonart
Title: Global Visual Artist
City you live in: Oklahoma City, OK, & Cabo San Lucas, MX
Most recent place I’ve traveled to is: Cabo San Lucas
My favorite place I’ve visited: Amalfi, Italy
My top 3 bucket list destinations: Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Mexico City
Atypical day in my life includes… Spending time and working out with my wife, hanging with our 3 kids when they are home from school, a little art office work and a lot of studio time and a nice glass of wine!
Never… Give up or listen to negativity
Favorite quote… “Evolve or dissolve.”
My pet peeve(s)… Sarcasm and procrastination (which I’m guilty of at times… HAHA)
I draw inspiration from… My past, my my family & my travels
I separate myself from others in my field by… Being versatile and constantly pushing myself to evolve
My greatest career achievement thus far is… Exhibiting at Miami Art Basel for almost a decade now and getting to do what I love every day!
People would be surprised to know… That I played NBA Basketball for 10 years and I am a trained chef.
The project that I am most proud of is… I would say I am most proud of a 9-ton flag I did 4 years ago. Welded and hand painted.
Biggest dream… My biggest dream is to have solo shows in Dubai, Mexico City, Tokyo & Paris. Big plans need Big Dreams!
Desmond Mason bio: His passion for art began at an early age. For Desmond Mason, art became a refuge, a channel through which he would overcome adversity and express himself.
“I have always painted by emotion,” Mason said. “Art calms and blesses me. Art has helped mold me because it allows me to be free.”
Born and raised in Waxahachie, Texas, the many challenges of Desmond’s early childhood were compounded by a scalding that badly scarred his legs. Those scars were deeper than skin, and as he came of age, they provided motivation to prove his resolve and satisfy his competitive spirit. A gifted multi-sport athlete, he became a high school basketball star and earned a scholarship to Oklahoma State University where he majored in Studio Art, studied art history and advanced his drawing and painting skills. Following his time at OSU, Desmond was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics and played ten years in the National Basketball Association. After winning the 2001 NBA Dunk Contest and playing for multiple teams, Desmond retired after the 2009–10 NBA Season.
“The most important thing in my life is my family and happiness,” Desmond said. “My children, Jada, Elijah and Kenzo and my wife Rebecca are all and have always been my inspiration and the driving force for my creativity. God blessed me with this artistic talent and I will continue to use it to make a difference.”
Desmond has sold more than 250 of his original pieces to collectors all over the world. Founded by the artist in 2004, the annual Desmond Mason Art Show sells his art to benefit a variety of causes and charities. Well known for his philanthropy, in one 2-hour live auction event 23 paintings were sold and raised over $375,000. Desmond’s beneficiaries include the Boys and Girls Club, White Fields, NFL Players’ Association scholarship fund, Allied Arts of Oklahoma City, JLT, JDRF, YWCA and many, many more. His artistic talents have allowed him to travel the world and hold solo art exhibitions in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, China, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Dallas, Seattle, NYC, Las Vegas, Bahamas, Oklahoma City and one of the largest art events in the world Miami Art Basel. His client list includes, Academy Award Winning Actor George Clooney, Global Super Model Cindy Crawford and husband Rande Gerber, Starbucks Founder Howard Schultz, Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps, Lead Singer of Maroon 5 Adam Levine, Sports Announcer Joe Buck, Mike Meldman of Discovery Land Company and many more. Desmond is ever mindful of the challenges faced by young people and is committed to using his artistic talents to help children, build a community and inspire others.