There are so many factors that affect how our lives turn out, but one of the most interesting is how our backgrounds give us unique strengths and perspectives that affect who we are as adults. We asked rising stars from the community to tell us about their background and upbringing and how they feel it’s impacted who they are today.

Celeste Lindsey | Artist BLXCK RABBIT

I grew up in San Antonio, Texas where my love for art was fostered by my parents. I asked for my first sketchbook at six years old after being inspired by James Baxter’s drawing tutorial in the bonus features of Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. Since then, my parents have continued to nurture and support my creative pursuits to this very day. A unique aspect of my upbringing is the fact that I was homeschooled—I had an incredible amount of freedom when it came to exploring my artistic interests. Paired with the guidance and encouragement from family, I’ve grown a sense of confidence in myself and my art that has kept me moving forward. Read more>>

Emily Falk | Lead Grower of DiveDwn

I was born in Corpus Christi 1988 & was adopted by my Father Ken Falk & Mother Carolynn Falk and brought to Dallas at birth. I grew up in east Dallas. Mostly Lakewood & white rock lake area. My father was mostly on business trips for his work & mom, my sister, & I spent a lot of time at home. We had a giant backyard and mom spent not just some of her time but all of her time out in the garden. Sarah & I watched & helped as often as possible. This is where I received my green thumb & am truly appreciative for it. Read more>>

Mazzy Booth | Painter

I am originally from Dunellen New Jersey and moved to Indianapolis Indiana for school. Moving from the east coast to the midwest was a culture shock, but gave me a more broad understanding of how different people can be from one another. I like to think of myself as personable and outgoing and I do not believe these would be my strongest traits if I hadn’t of made such a big move. Change is scary but forces us to grow as people and become more comfortable in ourselves. In my work I like to capture how unnerving these changes can feel, what it’s like for yourself to be the most constant thing in your life, but that still is going to grow and change. Through my moves and travels I have found that my home is in my body and myself and I show that in my paintings through figures and self portraiture. My background impacted who I am today because it allowed me to grow and change when I relocated to the midwest. Forcing me to find home in myself and now expressing that in my work. Read more>>