Photo By Daniel Brooks Grove

Daniel Brooks Grove

Artist DANIEL BROOKS GROVE takes his art, as well as those that inspire him, to heart by dedicating this submission to friend Janet Combs. Grove's talents find their way into a multitude of creative outlets: To learn more, check out his Web site at danielbrooks grove.com. And read on for five things that move Grove forward.

A Dream. Creating art was always in the back of my mind. I've worked in many mediums but I never thought I'd find myself returning to paint, the love I've had for years.

A Cause. The subjects in one of the first portraits I made are dear people from a remote mountain village. I knew those people and I was passionate about capturing their souls, the fire in their eyes.

A Teacher. This is someone who loves me enough to tell me the truth. Although compliments are rare, when a real compliment does come, it makes my spirit soar, makes my hands fly.

A Path. Art is not the most important thing in my schedule, so I've needed a strategy that keeps me moving. I have to set my own mile markers, and I can't afford to waste time. Yet, with my friends' direction, the crooked path becomes straight and the scenery continues to change.

A Song. It may have been something I heard, or simply that spark of hope that gets me whistling again in the dry times. A song helps me remember that God has put something inside of us. It has taken submission, wisdom, and strength I didn't think I had, but I'm a blessed man today, doing what I was born to do.

Articulations offers five things important to one of Cincinnati's visual artists. To be considered, contact Jacquelyn Vaughn, jvaughn@citybeat.com.