I took up painting in earnest after picking up an injury: drawing was a way for me to speed up my recovery.
My dad was my first serious patron; he commissioned me to paint a big canvas.
And he paid me for it, too. It was really nice of him.
My persona is looking for his place in this world.
He is sometimes vulnerable, sometimes invulnerable. Sometimes seemingly smart, sometimes foolish. I wouldn’t say that this is 100 percent me. But this is, no doubt, a sort of self-portrait.
I think a contemporary artist is someone who lives here and now, exploring and capturing reality through their art. The big thing is to be true to yourself and your vision no matter what. And to be sincere and honest in what you do.