Drew Merritt’s work is a blend of contemporary and classical subject matter and technique, resulting in the use of a myriad of mediums and textures to convey his vision of painting the human spirit. Graffiti covered cargo trains passed before the eyes of the budding artist and indefinitely inspired him to pursue a career underground, against the law, and creating his place in a hybrid culture, between rural and urban. Graffiti culture in itself is clandestine. Merritt’s subject matter, however, is seen with hope and determination of contemporary players in a positive, light fashion. The juxtaposition of these qualities yields a visually spectacular series of work.