Once in a while a story hits our news stands reaffirming to us the tenacity and strength of the human soul. Stories which serve to remind us of the huge potential, we as human beings have to conquer and rise above what is often insurmountable challenges. As spiritual beings living a physical experience, these challenges serve and test our spiritual growth. How we deal with life’s challenges often mould us into who we become. Dr Wayne Dyer once said something along the lines of “When we change the way we look at things, things around us change.”
Enrico Thomas, one of New York’s best emerging artists, is one such incredible human being who has triumphed. Art literally saved his life. His biological father was very abusive and when Enrico was only three years old he scalded him with boiling water disfiguring his face and leaving him in a coma. At the age of eight as an escape, Enrico began drawing. He then ran away from home as a teenager to live in a shelter. He later earned a scholarship to the Pratt Institute. Enrico fought his way back from an existence which almost destroyed him and is now successfully known as “The Subway Artist of New York”. Enrico uses the actual New York City Subway map as his drawing paper, resulting in a most interesting collaboration of his signature architectural style with the abstract quality of the subway map.
Esther: Enrico you have an incredible story to share with the world. What has made you the person you are today?
Enrico: There is an African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.” So many people have helped me along my journey and have shown me love. The love and patience of all these people, such as mentors, counsellors, friends, etc broke through the darkness of my early life and helped me to love and accept myself just the way I am.
Esther: What is art to you, what does it do to your soul and where does your inspiration come from?
Enrico: Art is a force that comes from a higher source. It uses our bodies and minds to channel the beauty that is all around, below, and above us. Art takes me away from the gravity of the world and allows me to soar above earthly problems. It helps me forget my problems. I think we are all good at something and if we open ourselves up to receive the gifts that the universe gives to us so freely and unconditionally, there is nothing that can limit us. Beauty is all around us and it is this omnipotent beauty that inspires me to create the beautiful subway and architectural drawings that I am known for. If we open our eyes we can see much more than we think we can.
Esther: Who do you become when you are absorbed in your work and how does your work make you feel?
Enrico: When I do my work I become an artist first and foremost. I lose the identity of being a survivor of horrendous child battery and this is why doing my work is so important to me. I create a new identity as a proud artist. When I finish my drawings and paintings I feel so proud of myself and my spirit is elevated in an indescribable way. I guess I feel like Gene Kelly when he’s dancing and singing in the rain.
Esther: You have triumphed over many adversities. What kept you going when the going got tough and the tough got going?
Enrico: What has kept me going through all the adversities and challenges in my life is a fundamental instinct within to stay alive. To choose life over death. I have definitely felt the ‘breath of death’ on my face especially when I was in a coma at age three. I think that is why I choose the hardest materials to work with (sharpies and extremely fragile subway maps) and have worked in the most terrible conditions (windy and unsanitary subway platforms and thirty degree weather). There is something about being on the brink of death that motivates the human soul to do things it never imagined possible.
Esther: Working on the underground you must meet the most amazing and eclectic group of people, how has this underground network influenced your life and work?
Enrico: One of the most fundamental lessons everyone is trying to learn on this earth plane is that we are all connected. It is so easy to believe otherwise but when I draw and paint, I meet so many interesting people through my work. People from different countries of all nationalities as well as local people. They encourage me and tell me that my drawings are good which gives me encouragement. I’ve always said and will continue to say that my favourite audience are the little children. It makes me so happy to know that I have inspired them when they ask me questions about art. I tell them that it won’t always be easy to be an artist but when you keep going even when you are tired and keep drawing anyway, it is these moments that will make the most difference in your life.
Esther: You have had a lot of media coverage. How do you stop yourself tripping into some sort of egotistical space with all the attention?
Enrico: It is always tempting to lose your humility from media attention, but I always put my work first. Everything else is secondary.
Esther: From what you experienced in your early childhood, to where you are now, what is life really about for you? What is the essence of your existence here on Earth and your plan for the future?
Enrico: Life is about challenges and overcoming obstacles. It is when we are challenged - whether through the completion of a difficult drawing, or through making it to tenth round in a boxing match, that true happiness and spiritual growth is achieved. I am here to create and to show people that creating is a powerful healing force. I hope to someday start and direct an art foundation for other battered children so that they can create a new identity for themselves through the practice of making art.
Esther: One a last note, do you have a favourite quote?
Enrico: One of my favorite quotes comes from eastern culture: “Go to the darkness”. Many people fear the darkness, but the tricky part is that that is where all the light is. We learn so much about ourselves when we go through “impossible” situations. We find strength and faith in ourselves that we never thought was there.
You can usually find Enrico in Union Square train station or at the 72nd St. Columbus Circle train station. To find out more about his work visit:
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/21/artist-uses-the-subway-as-subject-and-canvas/
http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/good_day_ny/100126-subway-map-artist-enrico-miguel-thomas
Contact details: Emtart@gmail.com, or EnricoMiguelThomas.com
All Rights Reserved@Esther Austin January 2011
