Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1184236
'ARTRAPRENEURSHIP' CAREER ese days, people know Caleb Brown by his real name. at's because he's become something of a famous artist in his own right. After researching numerous successful contemporary artists, Brown felt assured he could venture into what he calls "artrapreneurship." His work – mostly comprised of portraits of cultural icons – is inspired by artists of the past and present: Michelangelo, Garibaldi, John Moody, Mike Dargas, Tiffanie Anderson and even Professor O'Dell. ough much of what he paints is driven by commission, Brown still selects a subject based on his admiration of the individual. "I love it when I have an opportunity to complete what I call a 'pleasure painting,' " Brown said. "at's a piece created purely for the joy of expression. Painting portraits makes my heart sing. Capturing a person's essence on a canvas gives my life purpose." Brown earns his living strictly as an artist these days. Since beginning his journey, Brown's artwork has attracted several prominent collectors, including Super Bowl MVPs, Grammy Award winners and platinum-selling recording artists. INSPIRATIONAL TEDTALK e artist isn't content to share his message on the canvas alone; Brown is frequently tapped for speaking engagements at high schools, churches and leadership conferences. Recently, following a rigorous application and interview process, Brown was invited to deliver a TEDTalk in Savannah. Called "Adversity is our Greatest Gift," he shared with the audience the importance of embracing adversity. While in the moment, adversity may not seem much like a "gift." e experience forces us to "become stronger individuals who build a better world," Brown said. "We also cultivate confidence, compassion, acceptance and love. When we use adversity as a stepping stone for growth, we can ascend to heights that we've never imagined. We can unify our country. We can make the world a better place." Brown continued, "We all set out to paint a beautiful life full of joy, excitement and love. But sometimes life punches a hole in that masterpiece." Maybe you become sick, or you lose your best friend, or you're laid off at work, or your heart is broken. "Adversity is tough," Brown reminded his audience. "It's painful. It can rock you to your core. And here in the South, we've seen plenty. But we've also seen what's possible when we allow adversity to fuel our resolve." Recalling his own adversities, Brown said life simply hit him in the face and he realized how unprepared he was. "2019 has been the hardest year of my life," he said. "I was painting my masterpiece; I thought I was in the driver's seat. en SNAP! Life punched a hole through me. I was depressed, fragile. I wasn't myself. I didn't paint for weeks. I thought I wouldn't make it, but that voice reminded me again: is pain is a gift. ere's something to learn here." In time, he returned to the easel of life and began re-painting his masterpiece, learning from his mistakes and growing. It was a wake- up call, and he said he's grateful for it. "I live now with renewed purpose," he said. "I don't walk the same way." 4 2 M ACO N M AG A Z I N E.CO M O C TO B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 9