Graphic designer, Wilmington
By John Hamilton
What is your favorite documentary?
Does “Hamilton: An American Musical” count as a documentary? In case not, currently my favorite documentary would be “Obey Giant” on Hulu. “Obey Giant” details the life, career and controversies of famed street artist Shepard Fairey, following his rise from punk rock and skateboarding roots, his role as one of the most influential street artists in the world and through the “HOPE” poster era. I’ve followed Shepard Fairey for quite sometime and really admire him as a fellow artist. His activism is inspiring and style completely unique … plus “Andre the Giant Has a Posse” is iconic and just hilarious.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Ocean snorkeling! I love collecting shells and watching the fish explore.
Where have you always wanted to travel to but haven’t yet?
London and Ireland. I had a trip booked with my high school Junior Council on World Affairs class but ended up chickening out. It would have been only my second time on an airplane, first trip without family and first trip out of the country. But every cloud has a silver lining. Because I canceled the trip early enough, I was refunded my full amount and later used that money (plus other savings) to completely pay off my student loans within a year of graduating college.
Do you have a secret talent that not many people know of?
My family often jokes that I’m secretly Snow White. Wild things just often find their way to me. I’ve rescued turtles, chinchillas, countless birds. I had both a frog and butterfly land on my nose (separate occasions), been kissed by a llama, had two cow friends in college (Fred and Ed), held a baby sea turtle, touched a manatee, fed wild deer and usually end up hanging out with a newt or two while we’re on vacation in Florida. I’ve always had a deep passion for animals, but it’s both a blessing and a curse. I cry over roadkill, feel immense guilt for having to squash any bug and often get sucked down a rabbit hole thinking, “what if that animal had a family, what will they think when it never comes back home.” Big heart and active imagination? I enjoy spending time with any animals I can (even though I’m allergic to most of them) and started walking dogs locally and pet sitting on weekends during high school. I occasionally still pet sit but focus more on taking care of my own animals, the three chinchilla amigos Chi, Little Man and Bubbles.
What do you love most about your community?
I love our diverse community. Wilmington has always been my hometown — I grew up here, went to school here and now work here. I never expected to stay locally. I’ve worked in Dayton and Cincinnati, went to college in Kettering, but nowhere felt like home — Wilmington naturally does. I think a lot of it has to do with both the people and the place. We’re a “mini city” not too big but not too small, and close enough to the big cities to be convenient but far enough away to be rural. Our citizens embody the best Midwest values. People are kind, caring and hard working. If they see an opportunity, they care about it enough to unite and make a difference.
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