Thirteen year old recognized as break-out artist

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alyssa Miles
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  He asked his father, "Can you draw me a helicopter?" 

When Staff Sgt. Donovan Pemberton, 2d Munitions Squadron, was asked this question by his then five-year-old son, Xavier, he didn't realize it was the beginning of the young boy's passion for art. 

"He drew a lot of cars and planes, but he always had trouble with helicopters," Sergeant Pemberton explained. "He constantly asked for someone to draw a helicopter for him, until he could get it just right. This was when learning how to draw different things became important to him." 

According to the sergeant, keeping Xavier focused on school, trying to get him to go outside to play or watch TV was hard to do. 

"It was really a task, especially early on, trying to keep him from drawing on himself, walls and school materials," Sergeant Pemberton remembered. "He would often fall asleep with a drawing pad. He worked on his craft every chance he got -- any place, anytime, anywhere." 

Now, more than eight years later, 13-year-old Xavier remains just as dedicated to his art and has won many awards. 

"I paint, draw, sketch - I've even started designing shoes," Xavier said. "I spend about one to three hours a day in the room by myself sketching." 

The time to practice his skill was well spent as Xavier has won more than 12 awards in the past year alone, including the Art Break Portfolio Award during the 2007-2008 school year for his piece titled, African Queen. The eighth-grader came out on top during this contest after competing against all middle school students in Bossier and Caddo parishes. 

"It took about three hours to sketch and color African Queen," Xavier said. "Most of my art has a story behind it, but other pieces are themed to the contest that I am entering." 

One of the most important contests the young artist has entered was the Bossier Arts Council Winter Show in 2007, where his art work was purchased for $50 by the East Bank Gallery for their permanent collection. According to Xavier, it will hang with their collection for the next 100 years. 

Xavier's recognition also goes beyond the borders of Louisiana. He has already received an acceptance letter to the California School of the Arts. 

According to Sergeant Pemberton, Xavier wants to become a graphic designer or a digital animator, and later spend two years in Paris. 

While the awards and accomplishments of the young artist are significant, he has not let recognition go to his head. 

"I wouldn't trade my talent for anything else in the world," Xavier said. "It's mine. It's what I do. It's fun and so special to me." 

His father feels the same way. 

"I'm very happy for him and grateful that he was blessed with this talent," Sergeant Pemberton said. "I think Xavier is typical of today's youth -- with many talents and abilities. With encouragement and a strong focus they can go far."