By Kyle Reterstoff

      As a kid, art was my way of navigating the world. It helped me work through difficult times and it inspired my imagination and enthusiasm. However, as a young adult just starting out in the world, it was difficult to imagine a successful career in art. So, I put it down for more "practical" pursuits. And now, after a decade’s long divergence, I have found myself returning to its warm embrace. 

      My medium of choice as a child was by and large graphite drawing, with a sprinkling of clay sculpting. Although I never got a chance to try it as a child, I was always inspired by the digital art work being created in the early 2000’s and drove a lot of my graphite drawings as a teenager. But when it came time to graduate from secondary education, instead of taking the Art Institute scholarship, I opted for a stint in the Marine Corps, where I was unanimously nominated to be the Artist Recruit. 

      The Artist Recruit designed items such as the company rifle range flag and drill instructor campaign cover holders. While in the fleet Marine Corps, I was often requested commissions for art works, and even took a few people up on it - designing art for other Marines for money, beer, or just for the fun of it. Most of my drawings, however, would end up where most of them ended up when I was a child - I’d leave a work where I drew it, I’d give a work to someone who admired it, or I’d just throw it away when I was done.

      Although my creative output was reduced during my time in the Marines compared to childhood, it really dwindled when I got out of the military and went back to school to pursue higher education. Throughout the 6 years accumulating to a Master’s in Psychology, I hardly drew at all, more or less succeeding at abandoning the practice. There were a few exceptions, however. My wife (fiancée at the time) and I created and donated artworks for an event supporting military veterans. 

      After all the time and effort that went into the achievement of higher education, almost as soon as it was over, I suddenly had enough time (and perhaps intelligence) to realize that I was and have been missing something fundamental to the core of my being - the creation of visual art. It was at this moment I remembered how much I truly appreciated the enthusiastic bursts of inspiration I would see in people's reactions when they saw a piece of my art that resonated with them (which is probably why I gave so much of my art away). Now as an adult expected to live in a system of commerce, I would truly love to once again propagate my inspiration and enthusiasm to others… And perhaps, on occasion, some wonderful human might feel inspired enough to purchase one of my artworks.

      I have since decided to dedicate myself to learning that medium that would have my mind reeling for hours, days, or even months in my youth. A medium that, to me, offers limitless possibilities and inspirations. A medium in which I can envision the creation of pieces that help me achieve my aforementioned mission … digital painting. 

      I am constantly trying to learn and grow as an artist while learning lessons from the past. To never again give up such a core part of my being and to try to live my life doing what I love rather than some confused notion of practicality. So if you find yourself inspired by any of my art or just want to connect, please do not hesitate to reach out via any of the contact methods provided on this website!