Kobe

 It has been a long time coming, and I insisted that my first painting after I turn 40 would be of my first mentor, Kobe. I didn't have a father figure, nor were I surrounded by role models as I grew up, so I had to search for them, like probably most people. Kobe Bryant gave me the work ethic, the Mamba Mentality, of never giving up, of being relentless in my pursuits. I've kept that mentality in anything I've ever done, from video games to business, to learning to paint, and if you would ask me, it's probably my greatest asset. 

Today, as I have gained the skills needed, I honor the memory of Kobe with this painting, as I tried to do many years ago in collaboration with Kobe Abdo (@bosslogic), when the times and the world were different and we did desktop wallpapers for fun. You will find that image here, as well. Today I am happy to know that I can paint him. In part, I owe that to him. Most of the rest of the good things in my life I owe to discovering books and culture, but the relentlessness I owe to Kobe.  

I have been devastated by his departure, I'd never cried so much for some of my relatives, and it was a time to ask hard questions: "Is it worth it?", it being anything involving the struggle, the pain, the endless challenge. Many days later, I've resolved that it is. I think he would be proud.