Artist's Journey - Navigation

My artistic endeavors often need to be put on hold to make a living and pay the bills. As an unknown artist, I haven't made any money from my artwork since I started not too long ago—I'm just like Vincent van Gogh, waiting for my big break. So, I've had to work other jobs to sustain my lifestyle.

Unfortunately, this past January, I found myself in a difficult situation. After working as an excellent 5-star rideshare driver for over seven years with well over 25k rides, I lost my Uber account just before the peak of COVID-19 and my Lyft account this January.️

When I was an Uber and Lyft driver, my service area included Hollywood, North Hollywood, Hollywood Bowl, Burbank & Airport️, Universal Studio, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica️, Venice Beac️h, the UCLA campus, Downtown LA, Korean Town, Little Tokyo, and the USC campus. However, LAX️, Disneyland,Manhattan beach Malibu bea️ch, Pepperdine University, Long Beach, Calabasas, Santa Clarita, Pomona, the UC Irvine campus, and the CSUN campus were each less than a dozen times. I loved picking up customers, especially college students who enjoyed talking. For me, it was a form of social activity️. As long as the customer was willing, I engaged in conversations, sharing truths based on my experiences or research.

However, after seven long years and over 25,000 trips, I was fired for allegedly saying something inappropriate. It's quite a record, don't you think? This goes to show that I don't have any discriminatory tendencies, given how much I talked to customers about various subjects while they were in my car. Being a rideshare driver was my window to get to know people from all walks of life—people of all races, genders (including LGBTQ+), ages (young and old), abilities, and tourists/visitors from all over the world. Unfortunately, that special window is now closed. Good times never last forever, but life must go on.

This unfortunate situation pushed me to quickly create this website.️ Welcome, and thank you for visiting. Explore the following sections to discover more:

Featured Essays

Essays on Art, Consciousness, and the Human Condition

Exploring the complex relationship between artistic expression, human needs, and society's role in supporting creative life.

The Altered Canvas

The relationship between artistic expression and altered states of consciousness has captivated both creators and observers for centuries. From Van Gogh's turbulent brushstrokes painted during episodes of mental anguish to contemporary artists who deliberately seek expanded awareness.

This essay explores the complex intersection of consciousness, suffering, and authentic artistic vision.

Consciousness & Art Read Full Essay →

The Divided Canvas

The art world has always been shaped by economic forces, but the divide between wealthy and struggling artists has never been more pronounced. This essay examines how financial resources fundamentally shape artistic careers and creative freedom.

Through historical and contemporary examples, we explore how class differences affect artistic expression.

Economics & Art Read Full Essay →

The Artist's Dilemma

Throughout history, artists have occupied a peculiar position in society—celebrated for their contributions to culture while often existing at its economic and social margins. This creates a fundamental tension between human connection and artistic dedication.

From bohemian solutions to contemporary digital age challenges, examining how artists navigate basic human needs while pursuing creative authenticity.

Society & Relationships Read Full Essay →

"The canvas remains neutral, waiting for whatever vision the artist brings to it. The question is not what state of mind creates the most powerful art, but how each artist can find their own authentic path to expression—one that honors both their creative vision and their survival as human beings."