Victor Lebowski, better known as the artist Tijuanauta, captures the beauty of the borderlands in his art. His detailed ink drawings are often a mishmash of U.S.-Mexico icons, like Star Wars and taco carts, or astronauts eating carne asada. But for a long time, Tijuanauta refused to sell his art or make art his day job. Instead, he hid behind the safety of his office job and cubicle for a decade. But Tijuanauta recently took the plunge. He became a full-time artist and had his first-ever art show in Tijuana over the summer. He’s gaining traction fast, but his biggest battle is inside his own brain. A mix of lifelong anxiety and self-doubt has long stopped Tijuanauta from being the artist he's destined to be. But he’s finally fighting back.

Today’s story continues our new season of "Port of Entry" focused on artists and musicians who’ve turned pain into superpowers.

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From KPBS and PRX, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org

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