Haunted Knight

by Clinton J Ung

Artist Statement:

Ever since I was a kid I struggled to make friends and would often isolate myself. Little did I know, these would be the beginning signs of my depression that would affect me for the rest of my life. Cutting myself off from most connections in adolescence through young adulthood, I couldn't find root in a healthy environment of peers. It wasn't until going through the Thrive program that I found I was capable of just that, and the only thing stopping myself was, quite literally, myself.  I introduced myself into a new friends group that drastically transformed and evolved the person I am today.

This art showcases how dungeons & dragons changed my life. Before, I never felt free to express my fantastical thoughts, as I oft viewed roleplay situations as cringey and something lesser. However, that changed when I met a wonderful group of friends who told me that expression through fantasy can really showcase your personality and provide reflection on yourself. People's first characters are often projections on what they can't or aspire to be in real life. This piece used a regular photo of my friend as a reference and I simply altered it to bring it into a more fantastical realm. It is a tribute to one of my dearest friends. To show that in the darkness, you are your own warrior, and you are strong.