About me and Speakupart

Hello everyone. I am not a man who likes opening up, but I feel as if it is the right thing to do, as it gives everyone a good understanding as to how painting became so influential in my life. Aside from painting, football has been a big part of my life ever since I was 6 years old.  I ended up committing last summer to play Wide Receiver at The University Of Minnesota-Duluth. Over the last year I lost the love for the game and lost all the passion that I once had. This next semester I will be at home doing online school, working and doing what I love most which is painting. What many people have not known is that these last couple of years have been the hardest years of my life. I have had a very hard struggle with anxiety, and it has consumed my mind and taken my peace. It became so severe that stepping out of the house felt like a war zone. My struggle with anxiety escalated into a battle with depression. Having football as my only outlet was unhealthy once I realized I did not have the love for it that I once experienced.

In the fall of 2020 I took a painting class, without knowing the passion for art that would soon consume me. I spent the following months devoted to learning and practicing. Ever since then, painting has become my ultimate passion and an escape from all of the chaos in my mind. Painting has become an outlet for me that has provided with so much peace. Whatever goes into my head goes onto the canvas, which can be seen through my unique abstract pieces. Ever since last year, painting has brought me what I have always wanted, which is peace. 

The reason I chose to name my website Speakupart is because there exists an overwhelming amount of people in the world that struggle with mental health issues. Speaking up for mental health is important so we can break the stigma surrounding it, and get people the help they deserve. Over the years, speaking up about my own mental health has helped me get out of the dark when I didn't even think it was possible. I want my art to extend the same peace to others that is has given to me, and to encourage everyone to speak up and advocate for their mental health.