Sebastian’s interest in art started when he was young. On the verge of establishing himself as an exciting and promising new artist in Kentucky, his art and pottery have been featured at the Louisville's Webber Gallery and sold at silent auctions for charity. He presented his first solo artist show in 2017 at Expressions Art Gallery, also in Louisville. It was the largest-selling show in that studio's history.

Sebastian's growing success is the result of careful thought and planning on the part of both Sebastian and his mother, Sandra. Sandra worked to hire a strategic team of supporters and collaborators that would add their experience and expertise to his continued training, honing his art and making plans for him to be a successful businessman.

Sebastian and Sandra engaged the Discovery process in reviewing Sebastian's art, visiting art museums, researching art online, and considering the pieces of art Sebastian had created in his high school years. Sandra originally hails from the Dominican Republic and is herself very creative and artistic, so they also researched Dominican artists and discovered Cándido Bidó, recognizing that Sebastian's portraits bore a resemblance to Bidó's work. Sebastian spent some time studying Bidó's art and claims the artist as an influence in his style.

Like filling an empty page with colors, movement, and joy, Sebastian is bringing his own business into being. And he's doing it with his team of supporters, artist-collaborators, and admirers. While art may be considered a solo activity, Sebastian has found the best art grows within the context of community.

This story was submitted by Mattingly Edge in Louisville, KY.