“Stories are the creative conversion of life itself into a more powerful, clearer, more meaningful experience. They are the currency of human contact.”

• Robert McKee

Stories have been shared in every culture throughout history as a means of entertainment and education, and for the transformation and passing on of traditions. Storytellers are revered figures throughout history because of the magical mystique of the tale they share through their voices and minds.

I too am a storyteller, although I share my tale in a different way. I use visual narrative as an avenue to express my feelings and relate to the world around me. My hope is for the work to span cultural barriers and be accessible to any audience.

Every person goes through an array of emotions in their daily lives: love, anger, happiness, joy, and sadness. These emotions tie us together as human beings. I strive for the viewer to deepen their gaze, connect with a part of the narrative, and experience an emotional journey.

Jeremy Paten is a New Orleans artist living and working in the Uptown neighborhood.