Jacob Edward Stiltner is an American artist, born and raised in Miami, Florida; where he continues to reside. He has received his Associates in Arts from Miami Dade College and his BA from Florida International University. He has also received his MFA from Florida International University. 

   Drawing and painting inform my practice in a way that keeps me connected to not just the material but the here and now. The connection between my hand and mind reinforce my innate human drive to strive and push forward. 

   My work combines my interest in Western philosophy and Eastern mysticism. The two schools of thought are in direct opposition to one another but share a lot of similarities. My interest in the two began when my grandparents took ill, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Without work and a purpose they couldn't continue truly living. I saw the worst things that can happen to someone and I wanted to change that. I couldn't change it for then but at least change it for others. My work embraces both the difficult and the easy. The hard and the soft. The dark and the light. Being in balance of the two is the only way we can go on in this world.