You could say I had no business being there. Unknowingly, I proved them wrong in the most peculiar way possible.
The Outsider's Gambit
Picture this: A relatively unknown abstract painter from Arizona walks into the Las Vegas International Art Competition - a juried event where seasoned artists from across the globe come to prove their worth.
I wasn't supposed to win anything.
Hell, I was barely supposed to be there.
But my piece "Anticipate" didn't get the memo. It seized 3rd Place in Mixed Media like it owned the damn stage.
Against All Odds
The competition was brutal. Artists from from British Columbia, Australia, Switzerland. Heavy hitters from New Mexico, Nevada, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Arkansas, Michigan - all gunning for the same recognition.
I was the only Arizona artist in my category.
The other two winners? Both from Nevada - home turf advantage, local connections, familiar faces in the scene.
And then there was me: the outsider, the newbie, the guy who had no business placing in the top three of an international competition.
The odds? Slim to none doesn't even begin to cover it.
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| "Anticipate" by Ðean Oliverio, Copyright © 2016-2025 Black Dog Ventures Ltd., Co |
The Gala Revelation
Walking into that Gala Premier was like stepping into another dimension. These weren't just artists - they were legends in the making , masters who'd been perfecting their craft for decades.
And there I was, holding my own among titans.
The imposter syndrome was real. But so was the bronze medal hanging around my neck (so to speak).
When Destiny Decides to Show Off
Here's the thing about breakthrough moments - they don't ask for permission. They don't care about your experience level, your connections, or whether you "deserve" to be there.
They just happen.
Some call it luck. Others call it coincidence. But when you're standing in a room full of international talent, holding hardware that says you belong there, you start to believe in something bigger.
Destiny doesn't knock politely - it kicks down the door.
The Ripple Effect
That night changed everything. Not just because of the recognition, but because of what it represented:
Proof that being an outsider isn't a disadvantage - it's a superpower.
While everyone else was playing by the established rules, following traditional paths, networking within familiar circles, I was creating from pure instinct and raw passion.
Sometimes that's exactly what the world needs.
The Universal Conspiracy
Everything that led to that moment - every failed attempt, every doubt, every person who said I wasn't ready - it all served a purpose.
The universe was setting up the perfect storm.
Because when an unknown artist from Arizona takes third place internationally, it sends a message to every creative soul who's ever been told they're not good enough, not experienced enough, not connected enough:
Your time is coming. And when it does, it's going to be epic.
Beyond Recognition
That event wasn't just recognition - it was validation that authentic expression trumps technical perfection every single time.
While others were creating what they thought judges wanted to see, I was creating what demanded to be born.
"Anticipate" wasn't just a painting - it was a prophecy.
The Outsider's Advantage
Being the only Arizona artist in my category wasn't a disadvantage - it was my secret weapon.
No preconceived notions. No local politics. No expectations to manage.
Just pure, unfiltered creativity going head-to-head with the establishment.
And winning.
Your Moment Is Coming
If you're reading this as someone who feels like an outsider in your field, who thinks you don't have enough experience, connections, or credibility to compete with the big players...
This story is for you.
Because somewhere out there, there's a competition with your name on it. A moment when the universe decides to show off through your work. A time when being different becomes your greatest strength.
The question isn't whether it will happen.
The question is: Will you be ready when it does?
Sometimes the most powerful victories come from the most unlikely warriors. "Anticipate" taught me that destiny doesn't care about your resume - it cares about your courage to show up and create something that matters.
What are you anticipating?
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