Esvin Rodriguez was born in 1979. Gunned down in a gang-related shooting at the age of 16, Esvin was fortunate enough to have been exposed to mouth painting while rehabilitating at All Saints Healthcare in North Hollywood.

Under the tutelage of celebrated MFPA member artist Robert Thome, Rodriguez is quickly gaining a reputation as a talented artist. His playful abstracts, portraits of flowers, animals and landscapes show a maturity that only comes from natural ability. Esvin credits Thome and the All Saints’ activities director, Gye Di Capua, for bringing out the art.

“When I started to paint, I slowly moved away from all the hate and the anger I was carrying as a young man,” he says. “You can see how it has gone from dark images to lighter as I became lighter inside. Painting is saving my life.”

Esvin lives in Santa Monica, California, and is often asked to speak to young people in the community about overcoming adversity.

Pictured above: “Snowcovered Night” by Rodriguez.