What’s it like to be a “non-traditional” art student at age 55? For Texas-based portrait painter CLIFFORD BUNN, seeking a BFA in Studio Art after a career in law enforcement with the Oakland PD was both cathartic and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Initially turning to art as a way of dealing with grief, Cliff eventually decided to seek a degree in Studio Art at the University of Texas. Cliff shares his fascinating journey from the streets of Oakland to art school critiques, as he begins the next phase of life as a working artist.

MIKE LYON, a Kansas City-based artist creates meticulously detailed large-scale drawings using marks made by traditional tools manipulated by non-traditional means, usually computers he has built and coded to suit his artistic vision. After using his innovation skills in the family cattle hide business, Mike returned to his art, becoming an innovator in wood block and post digital printmaking. With an innately curious mind, Mike also creates handcrafted guitars, ukuleles and other furniture, plays the violin in the Kansas City Civic Orchestra, and holds a 4th degree black belt in karate.

Oklahoma native Christopher Nick uses his classically-trained painting skills to create detailed illustrations for major brands, children’s books and historical portraits.

In this ARTish Plunge episode, Christopher shares how a tiny retro delivery truck named Kirby gave him some financial breathing room and an unexpected introduction to his most authentic illustration style and character.