The Untouchable Colorado

The Untouchable Colorado is telling a story from my life, yet it is a common story that people living in Colorado can relate to. I have been lucky enough to be born and raised in Denver, and learned to love all the outdoor activities one by one. I will be graduating soon and living independently and the fear of not being able to keep up the lifestyle I have built my identity around, while on a teacher's/ artist salary is extremely stressful. This body of work is showing the uneasiness I am currently feeling as this future is approaching. I have painted my old snowboard, one side represents the pristine Rocky Mountains. It is the paradise that draws so many people to this western state. I showcase each season as we are blessed to be able to live and play in the mountains all year long. On the other side of the board are skyscrapers, along with construction cranes to show the ever changing landscape of Denver. I wanted this side to show beauty as well, but elude the idea of placelessness as it is hard to recognize the areas I grew up in. To me some of the most vibrant parts of the city are the street art. However, street art and art districts such as RiNo can contribute to Denver being the second most gentrified city in the country[1].