Letter From Taj Stansberry
Four thousand seventy eight days ago, I set out on a
journey to discover and live within my purpose. My
greatest fear has always been dying before the world
recognized my effort to contribute to it as apart of the
cure. I've always loved you, and yearned to showcase
that love through my art.
During my journey, I discovered to carry out my mission, I'd need to find a way to support myself
through my craft, and that money would only build half the engine.
The other half would come from you.
For every moment I felt as if I were falling behind, Oakland was there to pick me up. From your
words of encouragement that always began with "We're proud," to the friendly visits down to
Southern California, to all the lessons I took with me that shaped me into who I am today...
I have you to thank.
After taking a walk around my old neighborhood and a drive through "The Town," I realized what
I'm most grateful for; the living experience in its rawest form.
In Oakland, I encountered love, heartbreak, danger, joy, pain, triumph, defeat, great loss and
exponential gain. It was here I fell in love with art.
It was in Oakland that I learned being original was best , and that any obstacle put in my path
was nothing but a test that was only meant for me to conquer.
I couldn't have accomplished all that I have without you- a sweet piece of knowledge that will
stay with me as I continue my journey, day 4,079 and through.
With Love,
Taj Stansberry
DearOakland, Taj Stasnberry pop up art show at EVB Gallery, Oakland, Calif. 16 November, 2019