AWAKENING MINDS ART PRESENTS

Tyler Axline, the artist for the VFW mural tells us that the inspiration for this piece comes from the old school "Sailor Jerry" style tattoos that many veterans may share or recognize. He wanted to capture that traditional American tattoo in this mural while still incorporating his own style into it. 

Throughout the process, Tyler notes, "I've created many bonds with the members of VFW Post #5645, hearing their stories and experiences as they pass by while I worked. I got the chance to look into the lives of each person as they explained what the mural meant to them as a veteran or as a loved one of a veteran. I witnessed the community that these people share, and by the end of the project, I felt as if I was one of their own. I'm very grateful for the connections made during this project and I'd like to give a HUGE thank you to AMA for making this happen!"

Tyler Axline is a local artist and illustrator. Since a young age, he has had a passion for creating and began working as a freelance artist in 2020, amidst the pandemic. His illustrative style is heavily inspired by the 90's & early 2000's cartoons that were a huge part of his childhood. Tyler's goals include attending BGSU's Digital Art program to further his skillset as an illustrator. He hopes to reconnect people to a simpler time in their lives and fill them with a sense of nostalgia. 
"We ought to hold onto that little bit of whimsy from our childhoods and remember not to take life too seriously sometimes" Tyler says of his work and style.

What does the hashtag #artmakesmeconnected mean? "​Art is my way of grounding myself and connecting with the rest of the world. Sometimes as individuals, we can feel isolated and like we can't relate to one another, but art is the common ground that we become one in. It's the collective expression and appreciation we all share, with each unique interpretation being a new insight gained. My hope is, art unites the world and gives us something we can all bond over." - Tyler Axline