From art to skydiving, student lives carefree

 Few people can walk through life carefree, open-minded and free-spirited. Most people are plagued with everyday struggles that can follow them to every corner of their lives. It's hard to disregard the small things, and negativity is a breeding ground for like minds.

Everyone always is on the go and on his or her own schedule, so when a person comes along who is laidback and progressively pursuing his or her goals in life, it's calming and inspiring.

Jason Niebauer, a general studies student, possesses that ability. He's collected, professional and friendly. He has accomplished plenty in his few years, and it hasn't gone unnoticed. His area of study at Amarillo College is a result of his reflection on life.

"I'm highly interested in many degrees, so picking just one isn't suitable for me just yet," Niebauer said. "I kind of have my hand in a little bit of everything."

Niebauer started painting around age 16, has been dabbling in photography for four years and has established a talent for clothing design.

He plays several musical instruments, was a member of a few bands and recently discovered a new hobby in skydiving. All by the age of 21.

A couple of years ago, he found himself in several Texas cities, including Dallas. There he discovered print design and began marketing graphic T-shirts from his own designs.

"To be 19 or 20 and going into these high-end stores in Dallas to sell my product" is something Niebauer considers a major accomplishment. "I had to put myself on the line and market myself," he said.

Niebauer also is particularly proud of the traveling he has done.

"For my age, I've traveled quite a bit without having - well, some kids can do the same and their parents pay for it, but I was able to do that based on the work I've done," he said.

Niebauer is planning his first art gallery, which will premier at the end of the month. The gallery, called Watermelon Castle, will feature a transformation of food into a design aspect. To complete that idea, the interior of the gallery will coolly resemble that of a watermelon.

Niebauer's style of artwork cannot be categorized by art jargon.

Simply put, "Whatever I can get my hands on to transform," Niebauer said would be his niche.

The gallery, although a first for Niebauer, is not just to showcase his talents. He wanted a "space where young people can collaborate and come together."

Niebauer said Amarillo is notorious for boring the younger crowd, so he is inspired to bring them together.

"My mom is a big influence in my life," he said.

"She's always striving to help other people, and I guess that's where I get it from, why I want to open a gallery for young kids."

The vibe from Niebauer is somewhat intimidating, considering his accomplishments and his tenacity for experiencing life's splendors, but his demeanor is low-key, and it's easy to converse with him.

The gallery opening has no set date, but it will be at 215 W. Seventh Ave.

Some of Niebauer's art can be viewed online at www.myspace.com/jasonniebauer or www.flickr.com/photos/jasonniebauer.