In a captivating episode of the Arty Grow podcast, host Sarah Lapierre sat down with artist and friend Cruz Bogle to discuss his incredible life story, unique creative process, and impactful advocacy work in Palm Beach County and beyond. Cruz’s journey—from a life on the high seas to becoming a renowned mouth painter—is a powerful testament to finding new purpose after life-altering change.

A Name Born on the Ocean

Cruz's story is embedded in his name. His parents, along with his two older sisters, embarked on a two-year cruise from Maine in 1988 on their 36-foot sailboat. Cruz was conceived during the trip and eventually born on the island of Bonaire, just off the coast of Venezuela. His upbringing was a magical blend of island life, sailing, and a split between Maine and South Florida (Delray Beach), providing the nautical inspiration that defines his art today.

Life's Major Pivot: Mouth Painting

At the age of 19, Cruz's life changed dramatically following a skinboarding accident at the beach. He suffered a C4 vertebrae spinal injury, resulting in paralysis. As part of his lengthy recovery, he began painting about six months after the injury.

While it started as a simple hobby—something to do when other options were limited—it evolved into a professional practice approximately eight years later. Cruz now creates his vibrant art using only a mouth stick with a paintbrush attached to the end.

"It's so much more appealing... 'Oh my god, that's incredible. I couldn't do that with my hands,' like, I get that all the time."

🎨 His Art Style & Process

Inspiration: The nautical nostalgia of his youth—bright colors, fish, coral reefs, and marine animals. His jellyfish design (which he calls his favorite piece) is a perfect example, showcasing complex detail and realism.

Mediums: He primarily uses acrylics for his traditional canvas work.
The Process: Painting sessions can take anywhere from 3 to 15 hours over several days. He emphasizes the importance of mental preparation (sometimes including breath work) and consistency to overcome the initial difficulty of the first brush stroke.

The "Weirdos" and Mental Health

In addition to his vibrant ocean-themed acrylics, Cruz developed a digital art series called "The Weirdos." This collection of imaginative creatures was created using Procreate on an iPad while he was confined to bed for months to heal a pressure sore—a common secondary complication of his injury.

This series is his most authentic and emotional work, tying into the mental health struggles and feelings of difference that accompany life with a disability.

The piece showcased during the podcast features a creature with a spine-like tail and the phrase: "I may look odd, but I'm not less than," speaking directly to his experience of being stared at and feeling like an outcast in public.

Cruisie Palooa and the Cruisie Baby Initiative

Cruz’s commitment to his community extends beyond his artwork through his annual fundraising event and non-profit organization.

🎪 Cruisie Palooa

What it is: A major annual music and arts festival, described by Cruz as a big block party and community reunion.
History: Started in 2009 by his cousin Christy, it was initially a small cul-de-sac fundraiser.
Growth: The event has grown significantly, moving to Old School Square in Delray Beach, with the largest event drawing nearly 1,500 people.
Get Involved: The event features food trucks, a silent auction, and, increasingly, live art from local fine artists.
- The next event is scheduled for the last Saturday of March.
URL: Learn more and get involved at cruisy.org.

💖 Cruisie Baby Initiative

Mission: This non-profit organization receives 50% of Palooa proceeds and aims to provide financial support and advocacy for others with spinal cord injuries (SCI) who lack the care, community, and resources that Cruz has been privileged to have.
Impact: The goal is to help those who are "screwed" by the system, often confined to their beds or nursing homes, by offering help with accessible vehicles, medical contacts, and navigating necessary bureaucracy.

Final Words of Wisdom

When asked for advice on resiliency and creativity, Cruz returned to the simple, powerful concept of consistency:

"If you can just do some sort of creating... build the habit, try to build the consistency, and continue doing it... the body in motion tends to stay in motion."