Timothy Kadish Boston, Massachusetts Award of Excellence $2,000 Age 24

"Does change require violent enforcement? And what are the consequences of such an act?"

Timothy Kadish's life objective is to render a new vision for humanity through lectures, paintings, publications, and other forms of expression as an artist. Born without fingers on his left hand, he believes that a supportive, yet nonjudgmental and lenient environment is necessary for arts education. "I find that all forms of expression, when allowed to flow freely, can be the greatest of teachers. I feel that through my artwork, the physical manifestation of my expressions, I am allowed to truly see, learn, and react to this life." During his junior year of high school, Kadish experienced a soccer injury that left him physically inactive for months. During his recovery, he took the initiative to create a serious work of art for himself, not driven by a class assignment. "An innate desire drove me to create despite a learned dependence on the usual guidelines. It was this experience and the respect it received that showed me what the creative process could be. I shifted from automatic to manual." The arts and their forum of expression became a significant form of challenge and support. Kadish is inspired by an intense desire to affect the world. "To do so will require a massive shift in perspective, and the greatest way to influence perspective is through the arts."

www.timothykadish.com