I like to study how the objects we value somehow become us. The things we try to acquire and choose to keep say something about each one of us. As much as I enjoy drawing things I like, I enjoy opening up to things around me. My friend Joe recently lent me a set of his clippers so I could draw them. I wouldn’t call this a portrait of him but the drawing does suit him.

Here’s a new drawing. I like working on these small pieces. The detail demands a lot of attention and it makes my mind sink into the work. I constantly remember my junior high art teacher, Mr. Randolph, who always told me, “Draw what you see, not what you think you see.”

Sometimes the process of creating pulls me toward a direction I don’t plan on going in. Some projects just somehow piece themselves together. Here’s the latest drawing.

I began focusing my efforts towards making art about 7 years ago. I began creating a body of work, mainly consisting of acrylic paintings. About two years ago, I felt it was time to move onto something greater. I was content with my former body of work. Then I faced a dilemma. I honestly didn’t know where to go with my creative work. I felt that I had matured and that I needed to move on to new conceptions. I was at a standstill with my indecisive self. I had so much energy and was ready to begin working, but I had nowhere to direct my energy. I then stopped trying to strategize and I began to do the simple things I like doing. A sketch here and there led me to draw my shoes. I then drew other things around my workspace. I still don’t know where I am heading, but I feel happy with where this creative process is taking me.

If I’m not working to improve my work and my skills, I feel like I’m letting myself down. I don’t know if I can ever be content with who I am as an artist. I refuse to compare my self to my peers. I want to compare myself to my favorite artists and designers. I want to achieve more than those whom I admire. I want to be more than any one expects.

This is one of my latest drawings. These are one of my favorites sneakers. I remember seeing older kids with these when I was younger. I wanted them back then but I didn’t get them until a couple years ago.

I bought this sneaker for the opening of my Dreams of the Ego exhibit in 2008. A lot of time has passed since then. I have noticed how much my artwork is still influenced by streetwear and sneakers. My work has changed dramatically from what I started out with, but I’m still motivated by similar things. As time passes, things change and new ideas come to mind. Who knows what I’ll be doing 3 years from now.

I’m working on more pencil drawings again. I love how ideas and images can be transferred from my mind, through my hand, onto a piece of Bristol paper or a sketchbook. I have memories of getting lost in drawing as far back as the age of 8! It still thrills me. I have a small workspace but I hope to start bigger projects soon.

In high school, a friend of mine told me a brief story about his favorite musician and song writer. The artist carried his journal with him to jot thoughts down when he had free time. He told me about how he wrote music and poetry on his train and bus rides around the city. My friend said that his favorite song of all time was written while this artist was sitting on a crowded bus. My friend pointed out that it was fascinating to know that this artist was carrying his journal everywhere. If he was too lazy, uncomfortable or embarrassed to write on that bus, my friend’s song may have never been written.

I have carried my sketchbook with me since I was a senior in high school, often remembering my friend’s story about his favorite artist. Since then, I have filled about 10 books with spontaneous thoughts, chicken scratches, emotional journal entries and drawing after drawing.