“The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.” - Robert F. Kennedy. When Mark learned about his disability, he devoted all his creative energy in an outstanding manner to make positive contributions to society. Through his creative journey, he found success as an abstract artist, an on-air personality called DJ Guilewolf and as author of multiple book series like Mindscapes and The Book of Lost Verses. He is the founder of a radio station, Paladin Radio Wpal-DB, which provides a platform for musicians who were facing the same struggles as him.

You have exceled in several roles – abstract artist, broadcaster and author. At what stage of life did you choose these roles and what helped you to succeed?M: All these things came to be after I was told I was disabled. I knew there was something I could contribute to society and that singular goal is what I credit for a lot of my success. My goal was not fame or money I just concentrated on what I could do to add value to the world.

What inspired you to found the radio station, Paladin Radio Wpal-DB? Do you want to share any memorable experience from this journey?M:  I created Paladin radio because I knew everyone likes music and it would allow me to provide a platform for many musicians who were facing the same struggles I was. I was able to help others while providing a service to the public. One of my best memories of my days running the radio station is when I was nominated for RAIN broadcasting award and came in as a runner-up. I was up against places like I heart radio and Pandora so for a disabled soldier working alone to even be in contention was like watching the impossible happen.

What important role has art played in your life? Can you tell us more about your art movement called "Millenium creed?"M: Art has provided me with a purpose in life and legacy. Nothing has had a more profound effect on me than discovering I could create things that never existed before and that these works will remain long after I am gone.
Millenium creed is about using modern technology to make art while using all of the art techniques created over the last millennium.Tradition can be a good thing, but to move forward, we must build on what already exists and tear down the dogmatic walls in the art world.

You have published a lot of art books. Which book is closest to your heart and why?M: I would have to say my first book Mindscapes. I had to summon a lot of courage to make that book because there was some self-doubt at first but I overcame that, and it was first of many small wins that lead to a pattern of success.

Do you think art therapy can help our disabled veterans and how?M:  I know it can help. There are a lot of things that are just to hard to talk about, but they can be expressed in art. I also feel there is nothing more beneficial to the human spirit than the act of creation. One of biggest issues faced is self-worth and creating things tends to establish that quickly.

Who is your inspiration?M: That's a tough question because I never sought to be like anyone but myself and express my inner world but I do feel a connection to the works of van gogh and H.R Giger because I feel they were also trying to express and inner world.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?M: I like to visit the Zoo. I love animals, and how they express themselves they don't censor themselves, and I really connect with that.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?M: We take trips to Chicago and just explore the city but its not in the normal touristy way. It is more like an alien exploring a different planet observing the people and behaviors and the 1000s of stories that surround us all a lot of people never stop to notice.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to learn new skills?M: The most important thing is taking the first step. Skill comes overtime just keep moving forward a little at a time I have always felt progression over time and consistency is one of the biggest factors to success.