ORLANDO, Fla. — Humble beginnings can spark great opportunities.
“I just think of all the times I was dying running the stadium, now I’m here painting. It’s crazy,” said Aaron Evans, a former UCF offensive lineman.
“Really it’s a 180. From the barbarisms to the eccentric artist. I guess they’re kind of related in the extreme passion it takes to do things, but they’re so different,” Evans said.
A trip he often thinks about.
“I tell you that I don’t think I would be where I am without this wind that carried me through this ensuing season of my life,” Evans said.
He completed his first mural for UCF over three years ago. Since then, he has done five more on campus.
“Just driving is like my own personal gallery. It’s like a gallery in the car,” Evans said.
It’s an honor he doesn’t take for granted.
“I designed these murals for three months. Sketches and sketches and sketches. I stay up all night thinking about it,” Evans said.
After months of planning and a day of preparation, Evans returns to the Bounce House to begin his sixth UCF mural.
“This one. Oh yeah, that’s the ticket,” Evans said as she went through her art supplies.
It is the most complex mural to date.
“What worries me about this one is all the little creases because I want the line to be consistent,” Evans said.
But as he progresses, he finds his rhythm.
“Oh yes, it will be good. It’s going to be really good,” Evans said.
Evans remains grateful for taking the leap.
“Being an artist really allowed me to just be me and I was so scared to be me for a long time,” Evans said.
Follow your dreams while sending a powerful message.
“I see this as my vehicle now. The NFL was my vehicle before. I’m trying to get the message out to the masses that you are seen, you matter and you are loved, and whatever you want to do with your life, you should do it and you should be yourself, unabashedly,” Evans said.
Whether it’s hours of football practice or now days of painting, Evans’ reason remains the same.
“What fills my cup is being involved with people because life is about relationships. It’s about people. The thing about murals is you can connect with people all the time whether you’re there or not thanks to the energy I’m pouring on this wall With football it’s kind of the same with the fanbase because they can go out on a Saturday and they can see the fruits of your labor all week in practice,” Evans said.
Connecting with people, more specifically, Knight Nation.
“They supported me. They encouraged me. I wouldn’t be as successful as I am right now without Knight Nation,” Evans said.
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