Artist Statement:

There are two questions that I have always hated, and still hate to this day: What do you want to be when you grow up? And: What are your hobbies?

To address the first question: How is anyone supposed to know what they want to be when they grow up when things are changing every minute of the day. With an open mind, opportunities are endless, especially in this digital age. Technology has improved our lives so much, I never knew when I was a child that I could do the things I’m doing now, and I’m just starting.

The second question: What defines a hobby if you enjoy doing so many things? And: Why should you put a name on so many things you love to do: Which one comes first? I am ever increasing the number of things I like to do, with the more I learn. Do I have call those things “hobbies”?

I’ve done many things in my life and learned a lot along the way. I’ve been a nurse’s assistant, cross country truck driver, retail manager and a bartender. All along trying to find out what I want to be when I grow up. I have been witness to miracles at the hospital, seen 48 states of the U.S., and sold everything from fake teeth to Harvey Wallbangers. I have learned and had fun along this journey and plan to keep achieving at both.

I can’t name all of my hobbies, but I can tell you they are just as varied as my professional career. I’ve always drawn, but I called it doodling, took photos and mixed music, just to name a few. I’ve always been intrigued by computers but thought that path was out of reach. Needless to say I was inspired to attend school and another world opened up to me. With my first design program, I was hooked. I now know what I want to be when I grow up and it’s also my favorite hobby.

Who knew that both of those hated questions would conclude with the same answer?
…Jim E. Mineer

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