Joshua Valencia

I am certain there is a point in everyone's life where they realize what they aspire to become. I have recently graduated with my Bachelors in Arts, with a concentration in painting from CSUSB. Yet how does one figure if they are a real artist? I now teach art to children as part of after school programs and often get asked, "are you a professional artist Mr. Josh"? I then challenge them with my own question, " well does a professional artist need a license?" reassuring them that they are all artists. As each day ends with the kids, and each new painting of mine is completed, I better myself as an artist. Furthermore, each new day presents scenarios that shape my forever evolving art. I would now classify my art as the elegantly strange, deranged and macabre. Am I a "real" artist? I do not know, however I strive to achieve this title.