When I look at this photograph, I used to call it the “frog jump.” But you know, when I look at it, is that feeling of reaching, the feeling of jumping? What is it that we're seeking? What is it that we're leaving behind? So it has that emotion that has drawn me through my entire life.

I was 19 years old when I left my country, and I left my family behind. It was my resilience to start a new life in a new country, to search my dreams, either artistic dreams or an aspirational way of living-freedom in every sense.

Now, 20 years later, my family lives here with me in Cincinnati. I am married with three beautiful children, and I have a career in this art form that I am very proud of. When you look back, as you go through the journey, there have been so many times that you needed that resilience, you needed that hope to continue to move forward.

I didn't know that I was going to be where I am right now, back then. I didn't even think this was possible or was even a dream. This has been nice, being in the present, and doing the best you can in the moment. The way I see it, that builds the future.