ROOTED IN STORY: A JOURNEY OF SELF THROUGH ART
MEET THE AUTHOR
Tyjuan McCoy is a student at Baltimore Design School and a participant in Wide Angle’s high school video program with Ms. Kamaria. He is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and creating emotionally rich narratives through illustration, writing, and film that invite reflection, healing, and connection.
I discovered the power of art and storytelling at a young age, which resulted in me being deeply fascinated and perhaps even enchanted by my very own unique qualities, strengths, and characteristics. My passion lies in blending visuals and words to craft narratives that evoke comfort in solitude and reflection. Typically, I’m drawn to the themes of identity, resilience, spirituality, and the complexities of human nature, with the main focus on expressing underrepresented voices and experiences. Nature, everyday moments, and the rich tapestry of human emotions that are often overlooked—fuel my creativity, offering and feeding me endless inspiration.
The process of bringing ideas to life, whether through illustration, writing, or film, always feels like a journey of self-discovery. Through my work, I am to share a message of understanding and the importance of embracing vulnerability, encouraging my audience to see themselves in the stories told and to find themselves and a sense of strength in their own journeys. Ultimately, I hope to spark meaningful conversations and inspire others to find their own creative voice. I believe that storytelling has the unique ability to heal, connect, and transform, and I strive to create more pieces that allow individuals to feel seen, understood, and empowered.
Inspiration
I’ve also found great comfort and inspiration in surrounding myself with art that moves me. Keila Evans’ work, for instance, resonates deeply with my soul, and I would love to include her pieces in my home. Keila is a pop artist, and her medium is oil and acrylic paint. She also uses spray paint to give cool matte color blends in the portraits she creates and in her backgrounds.
Some of my favorite pieces I have seen by Keila are her “Nature Boys.” These paintings are of boys between maybe 7 and 16 years of age who are focused on adapting to their environment. They are made up of charcoal, spray paint, and acrylic paint. Their eyes seem to pierce through my heart and soul. Some of these “nature boys” interestingly are wearing some form of flowers on their heads or as a background to their environment. The idea of the “Nature Boys” series is that Nature allows boys to explore, test their limits within safe boundaries, and experience freedom. These experiences can help them learn about their strengths, survival, develop self-control, and try to connect with the world around them. As I continue evolving as a storyteller through art, I’m eager to explore new mediums, build inclusive creative spaces, and collaborate with others who share a passion for amplifying overlooked perspectives and honoring the beauty in human complexity.
Work
More than just looks, it speaks before I do.
I love this picture of myself a lot simply because I think it shouts who I am as a person and how I think I should be recognized. The image of me radiates an unapologetic identity through what I believe is a bold, intentional style. Connecting every element of the fashion style from the layered jewelry and textured sweater, down to the tan coat effortlessly draped over my shoulders. It speaks to an individual like myself who embraces their individuality without needing permission. The abundance of the rings, bracelets, and necklaces, most featuring celestial symbols like the sun, the stars, the spiral, is something I love to add a personal touch to in every outfit I wear, because to me it indicates a deep connection to personal meaning and spiritual grounding.
To talk about the pose I pulled off— the choice to partially cover my face gives a small sense of mysteriousness, screaming, “You can see me, but only on my terms,” which builds onto the personal power. The layers of gold and the gemstones are meant to feel symbolic of the jewelry I wear. It’s meant to feel like each piece carries energy, stories, or protection, connecting the physical self with something that’s beyond greater. In that polished and structured, my vibrant authenticity stands out even more vividly, embodying a living symbol of spirituality woven into everyday life, refusing to be muted.
Fading but beautiful: caught between a moment and a memory.
This is personally one of my favorite art pieces that captures an intimate and fragile moment between two individuals about to kiss, yet they appear to be fading, almost vanishing from each other. In the making of the art piece, I planned to give the sense of a bittersweet nature of love, connection, and loss, as if they were holding onto something precious even as it slipped away. It indicated a deep connection to resilience— the strength it takes to love deeply, even when facing the inevitable changes or separation.
Above the man, a butterfly emerges on his nose, which is supposed to symbolize transformation, the soul, and spiritual endurance. The butterfly appearing as they shared a moment was meant to show that even as physical bonds may weaken, something beautiful, everlasting, and spiritual is born in one’s heart. My plan for the shading scattered hearts was to symbolize a dreamy, sacred atmosphere, but it can also reinforce that resilience isn’t just about holding on; it’s about letting go with grace, allowing something more profound purifying within yourself to take flight.
Altogether, the entire piece expresses a powerful truth emphasizing that spiritual resilience often comes through vulnerability, change, and the silent courage to unapologetically refrain from holding onto what has to be let go. This project specifically allowed me to grow as a person due to the powerful meaning behind it.
Keila Evans, artist of Nature Boys.
This creative journey has not only shaped my identity but also led me to pursue opportunities that align with my values. Whether collaborating on a community-based project, creating visual narratives that mainly explore the themes of inner healing, or sharing personal stories through written pieces that I know want to convert to short films, I’ve learned that vulnerability is a powerful tool for connection. Each project challenges me to grow both technically and emotionally, reminding me that art is as much about listening as it is about expression. One self-care practice that keeps me grounded and inspired is carving out time to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, like a long walk, journaling under trees, or simply noticing the quiet poetry in everyday life. These small actions restore my energy and help me return to my work with more clarity and intention.
Spring Campaign: Meet the Moment
At Wide Angle, we believe creative expression is a powerful tool for self-discovery, just like you read here. This spring, we’re raising funds to help us provide high school programming for 110+ students in 2025. Make a gift to sustain creative education for emerging artists like Tyjuan.