Coleman Clayton Hampton

(b. 1996-)

 

Hi my name is Coleman. I'm an artist and music producer working almost

exclusively on computers.

 

I began making art at a very early age, but found it difficult to use traditional art supplies at the size or level I wanted. After experimenting with various traditional media in art classes; I began exploring computers with creating art around age 11. I found working digitally to be a very viable medium to express my creativity as I may have traditionally. By age 17, I found myself creating art almost exclusively on computers.  I had discovered working digitaly to be a more fluid way to express myself.  A few of my artistic influences have been; Android Jones, David "Roboto" Navarro, Vitaly S Alexius, Rick Griffin and Peter Lloyd.

 

Musically; I began composing or producing electronically when I was given "Ableton" (music production software) for my 16th birthday.  Not long after, I was Djing at high school dances, an Oakley Sunglass Corporation's Winter Launch party, including opening for Scott Russo of "Unwritten Law" band fame and numerous private events. Although, my passion is working on my original music then playing it live for large audiences while they dance to my music. Some of my musical influences have been: Skrillex, Must Die, Mija, and Jauz.

 

Physically; I've been in an electric wheelchair since age two and have a genetic neural muscular disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA-II). I have full sensory input or feeling and normal cognitive abilities. However, SMA has left me nearly quadriplegic, which makes it extremely difficult (almost impossible) to move. I've had spinal fusion with titanium rods wired to each of vertebra, lower neck to pelvis in-order to help sit straight and breath. To learn more about SMA visit www.curesma.com.

 

Education; I graduated an academically elite high school with an aid scribing essays. I also write on my I-phone editing on my trackpad. I'm now age 19 attending University of California Merced full-time, a Sophomore majoring in "Cognitive Science" (study of how people interact with technology). It's been a wild ride from day one but worth it, as I'm a firm believer in the cohesiveness of the universe. Thankfully, because of technology, I've never had to give up my creative aspirations, despite physical limitations. Because of my unique circumstances, I've had the opportunity to expand creatively though the use of computers, a medium I may have never explored had I been able to use traditional artist materials.

 

I hope you enjoy my art and music as much as I enjoy creating them!

 

Much love,

Coleman

 

 

 

Artist Statement

While every piece I create bears a different meaning, they all revolve around my individual spiritual beliefs. I aim to visualize the ephemeral cosmic energy manifested throughout our lives, and how the energy is endlessly recycled, not uniquely belonging to us as individuals. As I don't believe we own our energy, we are just borrowing it while we physically exist. Essentially representing both rebirth and immortality in the same concept.

 

 

 

 

Achievements

 

2014

                "Outstanding Achievement in Art & Design" awarded by SMES.

                "Faculty Choice Award" from SMES.

                "Pageant of the Masters" Laguna Beach, CA juried competition for entry

 

2013

                "Color it Orange" Regional Orange County juried art show sponsored by Laguna

                 College of Art and Design.

 

2012

                "Color it Orange" Regional Orange County juried art show sponsored by Laguna

                 College of Art and Design.

                 "SMES" Purchase Prize (First sophomore to have their art purchased for

                  permanent collection)

 

2011

               "1,000 Pieces of Art" juried by invitation and featured at The Crystal Court,

                Irvine CA

 

2010

                 "One Man (kid) Show" at the 8th grade fair

 

2009

                  "Rotory Club" district poster competition for drug awareness, 3rd place,

                   cash prize.