(pencil scratching) (quiet music) - Art helped me in my lowest spot 'cause it tuned out all the negativity that I saw while I was homeless.

(gentle music) I was a veteran without any medication.

I didn't think I needed medication, but everybody said something's not really going too well, living in the civilian sector, you know.

I tried to be a light person, but it was just so much anger in me, one 'cause I couldn't get a job.

That was like my main issue, you know.

And I struggled really deeply.

So, art is my refuge.

I've been doing portraits for "The Contributor" for about two years now.

For those who don't know what "The Contributor" is a paper, a newspaper that comes out twice a month that talks about a lot of social issues that go on in Nashville and worldwide.

Most of the social issues talks about homelessness and what other cities and our city can do to help curb the homeless issue.

(gentle music) My favorite thing about making artwork for "The Contributor" is drawing portraits of people that have bought from me.

My artistic process is usually looking on Instagram, at a customer's Instagram, and finding a smile, a happiness, a moment, and I try to capture that moment.

And then after that, I play Led Zeppelin and there we go.

You know, it's my way of saying, "Thank you.

Thank you for buying this paper."

Because without you, I wouldn't really be able to sell this paper or make any income, or even educate you about the homeless issue that's going on in Nashville and around this country.

- [Announcer] This NPT "Arts Break" is made possible by the generous support of the Martha Rivers Ingram Advised Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.