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Artist: Antonio 'C3' Cruz
AC3’s father plays the clarinet & passed down his love of music on to his children. Antonio plays the drums and was a part of a family band including 2 of his 4 sisters and 2 of his cousins. The band was called Jonezen. They made 2 albums, music videos and played for a few events here and there. Antonio’s love of art stems from both parents, mother and father. He’d spend hours drawing flowers with his mother and he’d also spend time with his father building things in the garage. From mini bikes to porches to music studios.
As a youth, antonio would watch this show called Pappy Drew it religiously. At the end of every episode they showcased some of the viewers art pieces. Inspired, antonio drew a scene from the Lion King and send it in. Months passed and nothing. Instead the studio sent a letter with an application about art instruction schools. He filled it out and sent it back. Too young to join at 8, but impressive enough to have the pleasure of meeting with one of the schools representatives. A colonel sanders looking guy visited AC3’s home to talk about enrolling him once he turns 14 while keeping an eye on him and his progress.
Fast forward to today, a veteran, dental professional, craftsman & award winning Tattoo Artist. Antonio’s pieces revolve around self mastery, knowing the world and combining the 2 to create.
A picture is worth thousands of words and his pieces tell stories with hidden meanings for one’s past self to draw from, present selves to believe & future selves to revive/rejoice.
