I am a Disabled American Veteran who served during the Gulf War Era . I have been a resident at the Armed Forces Retirement Home for
almost seven years. I am overcoming some enormous obstacles with my disabilities. I credit God and art as the two spiritual forces for my success in life.
As far back as I can remember, I first started art making as a kid when my mother sent me to the Rocky Mount Arts Center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to learn pottery making.
Thirty years later, I credit art for saving me from a turbulent bout with Depression. When I moved into the AFRH, I knew that I would have to do something, a studio was provided and I used art as therapy to help me combat depression and other illnesses. My long term vision is to become a master oil painter and sculptor. I have a need to make art and I'm driven by inspiration, especially for the need to complete a relationship outside myself.
I have been aggressively making art for five years now because of it's therapeutic values, and donating some of the proceeds from my works to help support benefit charities for battered women and children and to help send needy children to college. I have participated in the Veterans Administration's (Washington, D.C.) annual art competition for past 4 years. Painted for Veteran Affairs Executive Conference in 2008 to increase funding for Veterans art therapy programs. I have participated in many art shows, as well as, some solo shows.
Presently, I'm a full time student at Montgomery College working towards an associates degree in studio art. I'm also a participant in the Renaissance Scholars Program ,was awarded the Blanche Snider Art Scholarship(2009) and a member of the Deans List (Fall 2009). When I'm not painting or in school I spend my time working with the American Legion Armed Forces Retirement Home Post 70,where I help co-found, and I volunteer with the White House Volunteer Correspondence Office for the Obama administration.
Having said that, I think the the best thing about art making is when people take time to visit the world that I have created, Which is a great investment of energy.