TJ Story
Meet TJ Story
Artist. Creator. Visionary.
It is said that a great artist is always before their time; and this stands true of TJ Story. They have dedicated years to the arts and are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to develop their skills. Explore this digital portfolio and discover when those special pieces were created, what they were inspired by, and learn more about their medium.
BIOGRAPHY
My name is Tyler Fortson, and I was born in Jackson, Mississippi. When I was 12 months old, I had a high fever and it damaged my nervous system. I got sensorineural hearing loss- the most common type of hearing loss. It is usually treated successfully with hearing aids. Then when I got little older as 10 years old and that was the moment, my life changed because of hearing loss. I had to start a new journey by moving to a different school in a different state. My family and I moved many times as we struggled find the right school that fit in for me. I never really thought my family are willing to give up and wanted me to grow as successful in my life. Basically, we moved a lot until we finally settled in Houston, Texas, about eight years ago. Eight years ago, that was the time when I was in eight grades at middle school. I have been solitary since I moved in Texas and I had a hard time to make new friends or communicate with other. I was the most shy guy in that school. After finishes in middle school, that when I start open up a little bit and started join many clubs. I ever made my own ASL Club as well. That the moment when I finally learn few things about myself. I been through a lot in high school for fours year of my life. When I graduate from High school, I told myself that I will keep stay motivate and just follow my dream.
You want know where am I right now? I am currently in RIT/NTID, majoring in 3D Graphic Technology. I’ve been in this school for about two years now. I am also involved in a lot of activities such as Theater, Velocity Dance Crew, and Tiger Media. I am the Director of Roar TV. I have become more independent. I have faced a lot big challenges through RIT/NTID but I know in my heart that I won’t go down easy.
I have never thought about how hearing loss has affected my life tell us how it affected you It also affected my family’s life as well again – tell us howl. Fortunately, I am very blessed because my family always told me “Never let your disabilities stop you from what you love to do.” I was inspired by their quotes. After all I have struggled with, I am very proud to be who I am. Because of their positive influence I am a proud, young, black, hard of hearing man.
Artist Statement
I believe the box you looking at is called “All about that Drama” has been inspired by the work of theater department and film production as well. I believe one of the boxes you saw is where I started overcome my fear and develop my confidence. Because all the action happened right there in this box is where I able to express myself on stage. Basically, the environment I am in is it my first step into the Theater/Film World and explore through many opportunities there. For some reason, a long red soft curtain has ability to show things like open the curtain or close the curtain. For example, when the curtain is open, it brings out the story where you can finally learn the truth. But if they close the curtain, mean there is no story there and can’t tell if its truth or not. Its same concept how people can be open mind or not open mind. Because I saying in metaphor that the curtain represents coming out with the real story show in action. Since the curtain has been open, there are two pair of shoes that I juggling between the jazz shoe and hip-hop shoes to figure it out which side I on it. Because both of those shoes are part of me and I enjoy dancing with different styles. Other cool things that when I have lighting, camera, and film strip that my life is like movie. I feel like two pairs of shoes is where I live in two best world between the jazz and hip hop shoe. Because everywhere I go out and I feel like unexpected happens thing in drastic way. Being involved in acting and dancing is one of my truest happiness which part of my desire. Because theater has saved my life many times and knew when I feel down, I start to shout it out my struggle or fear. That was the moment when i start to feel free and able to show true I am. Please understanding this piece of work is where I visualize my own spotlight and a spotlight is where I staying by spreading my glamorous positive vibe.