-Raffel Horne

IT is no secret that technology is at its peak and continues to grow but while there are persons who use it for leisure, fun and other purposes, there are some people who use it to earn an income.

While Guyana is not fully exposed to the technology that is available and utilised around the world, Guyanese still make do with what they have at their disposal.
Twenty-three-year-old self-taught visual artist/illustrator, Raffel Horne, better known as Atio Chryst is one of the young Guyanese who has used technology to start a career.
Horne said his interest in art varies from traditional, digital, music, storytelling, photography, cinematic movies, poetry, architecture and the way it is used to express an idea.

Although he is self-taught, his skills are inspired by his personal experiences, interactions with people and nature among other things.
“Everyone who I’ve interacted with is like a character from a movie I’m watching. Many are interesting and I’m inspired by their essences to create and communicate my artistic ideas,” said the young artist.

It didn’t take him long to realise his talent since it runs in his family from both sides. From the age of six years old, he learned how to colour within the lines.
He said: “Ever since that seed was planted I began to practice as much as I had time. At the age of 15, I decided to continue on this path, changing the medium of expression from traditional to digital”.

As he grows older, Horne intends to work towards becoming a “man of leisure”. His main focus would be to create and share his artistic magic with the people who love art and even the entire world.
Horne advised fellow artists to find their own, unique flavour of art which they are more comfortable with.

Once they find their comfort zone, he said it would be easy for them to keep growing, creating, expanding and learning.