When I first moved to the area in 1999, I was living in Mt. Rainer, Maryland with Erica. We had a two bedroom apartment, where one bedroom was an actual bedroom, and the other of equal size served as a studio. I was still painting and drawing, and figuring out the digital realm. I felt comfortable there. A drafting table, an aluminum easel I could throw up quickly, a computer with a scanner and printer, a small desk and some shelving.
![](http://gemalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/studio.jpg)
Nonetheless, my artwork was everywhere. It moved beyond that small studio space and at times blocked the way into the kitchen. In the photo below, is a picture of a mural I was working on for the University of Maryland. It was a three panel painting titled, “Diversity in Adversity leads to…” something or another. I have to look it up. It feels like a lifetime ago.
Below is the conceptual sketch that got me the commission. It was a competition of sorts. I was more in love with the sketch as I thought the mural missed the raw and more motion filled spirit of the sketch.
![](http://gemalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/sketch_gemal_woods_004-1024x687.jpg)