Andrew Holmes Matthews, North Carolina Award of Excellence $2,000 Age 20

"In this world of complex questions and answers, the search for the truth is hidden somewhere in between. I believe that truth is merely an expression of personal feelings of both death and life. With my art I express the value of both in search for the ultimate truth, which is probably somewhere in between."

Andrew Holmes believes that his disability is a burden he wears with pride. "While having dyslexia and a learning disability sets me behind others, my obsession for drawing puts me in front of everyone else at the same time." Holmes is driven by art and sees everything as a potential medium. His preferred method, common black ballpoint pen on paper, is heightened by his ability to create a broad range of values using shading and hatching techniques. Holmes is particularly drawn to the use of symbol, and incorporates a variety of images together to create a visual network or labyrinth. He reveals, "My disability allows me to visualize in great detail before drawing a picture." Holmes became aware early on how art helped him to pay attention in school, and was instructed by instructors who recognized visual learning as a tool for teaching. He says, "As my school years progressed my artistic abilities overshadowed my disabilities. I was recognized for what I was able to contribute rather than what I was lacking."

Influential Art Teachers/Professors:
Ms. Farrell Davis, Sun Valley High School, North Carolina
Ms. Parris, Shilon Elementary School, North Carolina