new jersey

"I did not choose Art, it chose me"

in

For as long as I can remember I was always drawing, but I did not realize my ability until the death of my father in 1995; I was 9 years of age at the time. My life took a turn for the absolute worst, things became very gloomy followed by 2 years of depression looking for an outlet I turned to art! Drawing not only served as an escape, I was able to express those emotions I struggle to hard to control and dealt with. Free time in school became drawing time. My teachers realize my artistic inclination, and immediately pushed me into gifted and talented classes; this is where my talents were harnessed and developed. 

By 1999, 4 years later things picked up and really took off for me! The year 2000 was a new start.  I was accepted to a Visual & Performing Arts High School, this is when I really immersed myself into art. I studied an array of mediums and engaged in much intense training. By 2003, I found my niche, painting was my passion. I  went on to win many awards, In 2004 I received my most prestige accolade "The Governor's Gold Key Award for Scholastic Art and Writing” This was presented to me by the New Jersey Governor.

The V.P.A taught me so much; I learned some of my most valuable lessons there! I’ve learned the importance of discipline, and how to channel my creativity through art, also that I can make it as an artist! Those life essentials carried throughout my career as an artist, and here I am now! Spiritually I know I was guided to this path. I find ironic to say this but, in hindsight I feel like my father's death was a gift to me, because that pain I felt call forth my potential. I had to turn my pain into passion, he lives through my work! 

Photoshoot With DJ Mavric #BeardGang

In December 2014, I did this awesome shoot with a good friend and model Dj Mavric. The weather was increasingly getting cold, luckily the day we scheduled to shoot It was super sunny and semi-warm, In New Jersey to have 43-degree weather in December is not common trust me!! Anywho, we originally scheduled to do a studio session however, because the weather was so awesome I suggested to split the session and do some location and studio. I already had the location in mind, interestingly enough I always wanted to shoot in this particular area it was something about the all the trash and grunge that really attracted me. I believed it would serve as a great setting, and it most certainly did. When I pitched the idea to Dj Mavric he was down and so was I. Below is a short clip and some images from the session.

I shot this on the iPhone6 days prior to the shoot. 

I shot this on the iPhone6 days prior to the shoot. 

You wouldn't believe we shot this right behind a gas station 

You wouldn't believe we shot this right behind a gas station 

This is a BTS shot in studio. 

This is a BTS shot in studio. 

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