The Daily Rambling Artist: What’s In a Name?

Much of my coming of age revolved around the enchanting world of sports cards, where the mythology of names held a magnetic allure. Names like Mickey Mantle, Roberto Clemente, Joe Namath, and Pete Rose, they weren't just names; they were legendary rings of power that evoked a sense of awe and wonder.

Watching the games unfold on the field was undeniably captivating, but what truly fascinated me was the intricate narrative woven into the tapestry of each player's career. Each moment, each play, and each season was a chapter in their epic journey. It wasn't just about winning or losing; it was about the stories that emerged from the games, the struggles, the triumphs, and the indomitable spirit that defined their careers.

Pete Rose, in particular, was a name that resonated with me on a profound level. The mere sound of the name conveyed a sense of heroism and greatness, a name etched in the annals of baseball history. He marked the beginning of a long lineage of my self-confessed fanaticism when it came to baseball cards

In the world of sports cards, each name was a doorway to a world of imagination and inspiration. They weren't just collectibles; they were portals to the stories of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. These names carried with them the weight of legends and the magic of moments frozen in time, and I cherished every piece of that magical tapestry, where the names were not just ink on cardboard but a key to a world of epic tales.

Looking back, I can't help but smile and think, “Those were the days,” but not much has changed. I'm still as captivated as ever, and my lifelong obsession with those iconic names remains evident in my daily compulsion to paint and reimagine them incessantly. Many studio confrontations with surfaces bring to life the pantheon of names, and the epic stories they represent continue to inspire and drive me forward.

-Sergio Santos