So I write my name this way, in this context, for a number of reasons.

The first is a reference to the past. Back in 1988, one of the pieces of evidence used against me when I was facing six felony vandalism charges, was an application for an art scholarship. A representative came to my high school and spoke about art school opportunities and a scholarship program. Our art teacher (who hated graffiti) encouraged us all to fill out these application. So I wrote my name, defiantly.

Chris "Ozone" Coggan

The teacher provided that as evidence to the police, who were building a major case against me at the time. I wrote my name, and I signed that form. Not the sharpest 17 year old it seems.

Taking ownership of that name, "Ozone" nearly landed me in the California Youth Authority for 3 years.

I dodged that outcome by being clever and calculated, possibly more-so than I have even been before that time or since. I would continue to paint through the 1990's, and after several periods of dormancy, I find myself painting and creating once again. No matter how hard I've tried, I cannot escape from the creative nucleus that drives me.

So the "NyseOne" just reminds me of ownership and accountability. I also reminds me to respect the history of those around me.

The second reason I write my name this way is perhaps a bit more compelling. The woman I love, the art I paint, the degrees I earned, the businesses I create, the music I write in the studio, the lyrics I hack out on long walks with my dog at ungodly hours of the early morning, that's all part of my history. The waves I surf. Everyone I meet. Success and failure. Stories. lots of them.

All of that is who I call "NyseOne." This is what I have come to call my most capable and effective self, I just didnt know it at the time I chose the name - it's taken me decades to figure that out. So now I'm doing my best to own it. Its difficult and overwhelming at times. But it also occasionally shines with the brilliance of a thousand suns, at least in my universe. Hopefully in yours as well.

So, if you want to learn more, click that link below to read a few short snippets of my history as an artist, writer and researcher. I'll be adding more each week.