Name
Rodrigo Duran

Brain Tumor Type
Other

Participant Group
Supporter

Category
Drawing/Painting/Printmaking/Chalk Art

Artist Statement (include type of art, techniques & materials used, what it means to you)
I've loved art my whole life. And I love to paint. It's one of the best ways to tell stories. The inspiration of this painting was Frida Kahlo & European painter Gustav Klimt. For me, I'm the Frida Kahlo of my family because I can relate my story to hers. This painting I did tells my story of what my life has been like these last 3 decades with 2 disabilities. The background, not only does it show the challenges I face every day but also the privileges I've had despite being disabled. The painting was made with acrylic paints on a large canvas.

Artist Bio: Tell Us Your Story
When I was a year old I was diagnosed with what is called Congenital Muscular Dystrophy & then at 10 years old I became an Epileptic. I grew up loving to draw because I was always watching Disney movies & Cartoon Network. After high school I went to the Art Institute of Dallas but eventually I had to finish school in a community college. As I continued my studies, I also worked with my father at a restaurant but eventually had to stop because the Epilepsy attacks were happening almost every day. I was declared disabled at age 20 & had to go into Disability. None the less, I still continued college & graduated in 2015. Since I had no work benefits I looked for other ways to stay active at least. I volunteered at the elementary school I went to & also volunteered in the Photography Department at the hospital I went to for my Muscular Dystrophy. 3 years ago I found out about the programs the MDA offers to those of us who live with this disability & because of them today I live a more independent life & of course, helping me with finding out art contests & shows. Today I'm one of their ambassadors & help them any way I can. One thing I do is make Tik Tok videos in English & Spanish where I talk about MD & let the community know where they can find help & resources if they need them.