Eric Welch's story begins in a rural town just outside Louisville, Kentucky, where he was brought up by parents who, still youthful themselves, navigated the complexities of adulthood while doing their utmost for their family. The ethos of hard work and perseverance was deeply ingrained in Eric from an early age, values that only intensified after his parents' separation. As a child of single parents each striving to find their own way, Eric's experiences resonated deeply, shaping his understanding of resilience and determination, especially now as he reflects on these lessons as an adult and parent himself.

The fabric of Eric's childhood was woven with constant movement, shuttling between the familiar landscapes of Bullitt County, Kentucky, and the new horizons of Jacksonville, Florida, where his mother relocated post-separation. It was in these transitions that Eric first encountered the feeling of being an outsider, stepping beyond his comfort zone into unfamiliar territories. To anchor himself amidst these changes, Eric turned to drawing, finding solace in sketching small cartoons.

Eric's formative years were marked by a stark contrast between the rural settings of Kentucky and the urban vibrancy of Jacksonville, Florida. This juxtaposition exposed him to a rich tapestry of cultures and communities, nurturing a deep-seated appreciation for diversity that he carried into adulthood. Eric's innate curiosity and love for diverse cultures propelled him on a journey of exploration, leading him to travel extensively and immerse himself in various walks of life. From mingling with Yale students to connecting with cannabis farmers in Kentucky's hills and engaging with Chicano gangsters in East LA, Eric's adventures were as varied as they were enriching.

These experiences laid the groundwork for Eric's remarkable ability to adapt to any environment. His respect for each individual's unique story and his capacity to navigate diverse social landscapes were skills honed over years of travel and interaction. Even in the face of adversity, such as his time in prison, Eric's resilience and creative spirit never waned. He continued to evolve, using his art as a means of expression and connection.

Eric's artwork, characterized by its striking black and white portrayals of iconic figures, serves as a medium to bridge the gap between the extraordinary and the everyday. Through his art, he seeks to democratize the portrayal of recognizable personalities, bringing them onto the same plane as the viewer. This choice of black and white not only accentuates the universal human experience but also echoes Eric's lifelong quest for equality and belonging. Despite often feeling like an outsider, his journey has been one of continuous adaptation, never fully assimilating but always contributing to the mosaic of his surroundings.

Today, Eric channels his rich tapestry of experiences, his struggles, and his triumphs into his art, crafting works that speak to the themes of equality, resilience, and the human condition. His latest series represents not just a culmination of his personal and artistic journey but also an invitation to view the world through a lens of inclusivity and shared humanity. In embracing his unique voice and vision, Eric Welch stands as a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries, connect disparate worlds, and illuminate the common threads that bind us all.