Fighting Homelessness: The Resilience Of An Oklahoma Artist

What Oklahoma artis Drace does is best described as a God-given talent.

“It ran in our family, my dad, he’s an artist and his side of the family they were mostly artist,” said Drace.

More than just an ability, there is passion.

“I think everyone should have an escape and this is my escape,” said Drace.

At one time Drace was a top fixture in the OKC art scene, but without warning his social media pages went quiet and there were no answers as to his whereabouts.

“I used to draw every day, a whole lot, until I became homeless. This is the first time I have drawn since I became homeless,” said Drace.

 He has been homeless for four years. The struggles and lack of supplies have taken his passion, until today

“It’s peaceful to me, it’s like cleaning,” said Drace.

The stress of life took its toll.

 “People taking advantage and taking money and such,” said Drace.

 We were given access to Drace’s camp through a trusted friend, but these camps are their homes, and it is highly recommended to never approach a homeless camp.

“Twenty-four seven, all during the year, we are out here all the time,” said Drace.

But after four years Drace is missing what most of us take for granted.

“It would be nice to go to a shower and go wash our hands and, we want to be human too,” said Drace.

But just spending a little time painting on this day, once again taking him to his happy place.

Drace says he doesn’t drink doesn’t have a drug problem, and really just needs a little help getting back to his place of passion

“If someone has the supplies, they can make anything work, so supplies is number one,” said Drace.

He also hopes that the next time someone sees a homeless person on the street, they will look at them with more understanding and compassion.

One this is clear, that after four years of not drawing, his skills are without question as sharp as ever.

If you want to help Drace with art supplies or in any way reach out to @Jodi Berge on Facebook.