Fat Ryland Grace

Love when my friends are long #mylongfriends

Big Steppa: @adsurgitvagus

I WON AN AWARD!!

I made this piece "My Iron Lung" back in March. It was the first big piece i really made in a while, and it means a lot to me. I felt inspired by the movie Iron Lung, as not only were the themes of the movie itself impactful, but the idea that I can do what I want if i wor hard enough, AND that i don't have to give up my art for a career really meant a lot to me. I'd had the general idea for this in my bran for about a year, but never felt "ready" to tackle it. But, as Mark said in one of his interviews, just create. So i did!

This is a self portrait, and to me, represents a lot of the internal struggle i have with myself, who i want to be, and what others expect from me. It also ties into the idea that art is this painstakingly long journey, with lots of roadblocks and struggles, but for me, (like a real, literal iron lung) it's also keeping me alive. I don't know who I'd be without art; without the ability to express myself creatively.

This piece was not only a risk in terms of the technical aspect (I'm not versed in acrylic as much as oil. Also when working with circuit boards they DO chip and splinter easily, so be sure to get all of that up so you don't step on any), but a risk in putting myself out there. This is me both literally and metaphorically tearing myself open for the whole world to see. Even getting into the show in the first place was huge, but to be recognized for the monumental leap i took to create, submit, and display this piece means so much to me.

Thank you to everyone who has continued to support me. That includes all of you! If you follow me, know me in real life, or are just passing through, thank you.