Ocean Face

by Shane
(Seattle WA)

Ocean Face

I am very proud of this drawing because, I discovered at the tender age of 13, that my art could invoke an emotional response in people.

As a boy, I had aspirations of becoming a fantasy artist but, unfortunately, I had absolutely nobody encouraging my artistic endeavors. I was raised in an environment that did not encourage social evolution.

Drawing was a vehicle of refuge for me. My art had become my salvation and I knew then I would be an artist for the rest of my life.

Art is a kind of philosophy and it was through one illustration that I had created that offered me a way of living. My art did not reflect dissension or ostracize anybody who did not share my perceptions, instead it was inclusive of everybody that was different.

Art offers insight to ideas that may elude comprehension because of our own ignorances through no fault of our own. Mankind fears that which we do not understand, and fear is the engine that drives hate.

Art breaks down boundaries that separate mankind and offers a vehicle to gain education and understanding of our fellow men and knowledge is liberation.

That is what this one illustration means to me.

***Note from Kerry:
Shane, your art obviously brings you great joy. You should be proud of what you have been able to achieve, despite all obstacles.