Jeremy J McFarren | Storyteller
“Holding Back, Lifting Up, Setting Free”
Created for "Second Chances 2020”
Spray Paint on Wood
“I Have Been There”
Created for "Second Chances 2019.
Digital Illustration
Artist Statement:
It’s not every day you get to have experiences that not only opens up your world view but also restores your faith in the resilience of the human spirit to overcome and give back to others. Meeting Royal Jordan and hearing his story was one of those moments. His story is long, twisted, tangled, a little scary and full of challenges but it’s truly inspiring to see that the latest chapters are dedicated to helping other young people write their own stories differently than he did. He can tell them: “I Have Been There. You Don’t Have To.”
Being partnered with managing editor William Bryant Rozier to bring the story to life in comic form to be published in Fort Wayne Ink Spot Newspaper was another moment of luck in my artistic life. Working with someone who is as enthusiastic and appreciative of the art form as you are is a gift. What I hope is that work we did concentrates on the newest chapters in Royal’s story. He has said in conversation that the things he did in his early life was much different than what others have done. But what he is doing now is, is truly special. Look up the Urban Youth Empowerment Program and the good work they do. It’s good to reassure yourself that there are stories of redemption and reclamation, hope and promise.
“It’s In The Hands”
Pen and Ink, Digital Color
Created for "Second Chances 2017", an exhibit and fundraiser for Blue Jacket, Inc. The project paired an artist with a client of Blue Jacket to tell their story. The exhibit was displayed in the Fort Wayne Museum of Art
“Dark Superman”
Pen and Ink, Digital Color
Created for "Second Chances 2016", an exhibit and fundraiser for Blue Jacket, Inc. The project paired an artist with a client of Blue Jacket to tell their story. The exhibit was displayed in the Artlink Gallery