What is an Artist anyway? Is a person who draws well an Artist? Is an abstract of a bowl of fruit art? I prefer not to confine myself to the parameters of this word or the title of Artist. Call me a "Creative Expressionist of Aesthetic Mediums". It really is about creativity, personal expression, originality, and ability to invoke feelings.

I once played guitar in a band. It was a high school band, and it was the 80's. I remember my band mates really focusing on these other musicians and their styles. I felt a bit out of place in that I would try to convince them to create some of our own music with our own sound, and own style. I felt this was the ticket to being noticed.

I also remember our lead guitarist having exceptional talent. He could play all those amazing guitar giant solos. It was amazing to listen to. However, he was caught up in that typical style of playing he had learned by listening to greats, such as Randy Rhoads. I realized he had talent as it related to imitation, or playing back what he heard, but the originality was lost. Creativity just wasn't there. I remember thinking to myself to be aware of this in everything I do. The lesson I learned from my band mate was not to get lost in mediocrity.

I began seeing this mundane lack of individual thought all around me. Traditional art projects and teachings from my art teacher nearly put me in a dissociative state from sheer boredom. Teachers should spur thinking, and open eyes as well as minds. My own ideas were considered as distractions and challenges to the teacher's authority. A creative soul and mind should not be stifled.

Creativity and personal expression is boundless and within us all in one form or another. It can be all things and invoke intense feelings. Forms of expressive creativity should be appreciated for what they are, even if they are not liked.

I take such great pride in my work, have always had a very strong work ethic, and will definitely go the extra mile every time. I truely aspire to work with others who share these same ideals, beliefs, and principals.

Thank you
Christopher Parent