All my life, Ive loved hearing old dudes talking about all of the awesome experiences they have had throughout their lives... all the cool things they've done, all the things they had become.. One day I decided: "I wanna be that guy when I grow up."
Who am I? Delyn Michael Stirewalt, born in the beautiful city of Denver Colorado (which would explain my obsession with the Denver Broncos NFL Team), but raised in the south. Northwest Arkansas has been my home for many years and, although I spent the better part of my high school years in the Kansas City area, NWA is home to me. I am a faithful man and am blessed to do what I do. I don't do it by my own fruition but I believe I was made for such a time as this. When I'm not shooting you can find me working at Starbucks in Bentonville making coffee and talking to people. I love Skateboarding and exploring the town while bumping my favorite rapper Andy Mineo along with any of the other 116 clique guys. I love folky music like Mumford and Sons and the Avett Brothers, but also love a good breakdown in metal like For Today, Sleeping Giant, and the old, more hardcore, Take it back and Close Your Eyes. I love my Church and the people who go there and enjoy going to get togethers and kicking back and engaging in some good Kingdom conversation. I have a weird obsession with accessories, especially watches and shoes.
What do I do? To answer a very broad question simply, I consider myself an artist. I know that word gets thrown around a lot and can be defined many, many different ways so I'll be a little more specific. My art deals mostly with imagery (hence the name). To break it down a little more, I am a photographer who dabbles in design and fine art imagery. Combining these passions of mine I am constantly coming up with creative ideas and using my passion to drive me and my tools to bring those ideas to life.
Why do I do what I do? There is only one word to describe my drive, Passion. Without passion what do we really have? When I set my mind to something, I want the fullness within me to bring that thing to life no matter the cost. I am passionate about everything I do. If I don't feel a burning passion, I'm not meant to do it, at least not for long. Photography and design, along with music and the people I come in contact with daily drive me to fulfill my dreams and do what makes me happy.
What inspires me? I am inspired by life. Every day I see new things and learn new things about myself and my surroundings that inspire me in my art and life. My beliefs and passion for the Lord first and foremost are the inspiration for all that I do. The music I listen to (and make) inspire me. Im a lover of just about any kind of music, from hip hop to metal, folk and bluegrass to pop and punk, each day is a different mood which calls for different music. People inspire me. Im most definitely a people watcher. Working at a local coffee shop is perfect for this. I enjoy watching people and coming up with a story that matches them, or thinking of what the might be talking about on the phone or who their talking to, where they're headed, where they came from. Its inspiring to know that everyone has a story that they, if your interested, would most likely be willing to share.
Who do I look up to? I look up to anyone who has something to offer, which is everyone I come in contact. But to be more specific, I look up to the people who are out there making life happen for them. Everyone has a story and all things are relative to every persons life and experience. My uncle Pat is one of my main role models in life. This is a man who knew what he wanted and went for it. He wanted to ski, travel, and ride motorcycles on the weekends so he took account of what was important and sacrificed things most people think they need such as a bed and tv and went out and did what he wanted to do. He lived life and continues to live life how he desires with his wife and two daughters. He didn't conform to the model of the "American dream" but lived HIS dream instead.