From the Elm to The Empire started as a large series of iPad paintings I created during my travels to New Haven and New York City. I live in New Haven and commuted to college when I was going to the School of Visual Arts. Each painting became a moment in time that I could look back on. Whether it was New York Fashion Week or an art gallery show I was participating in, every painting in this book is significant. ""Raheem carried his sketchbook with him everywhere he went, because through his art, he found greater understanding of family, life and learning.""-Ris Nelson (Dean of Yale's Afro American Cultural Center) ""Raheem's artistic talents extend to many mediums.""-Dandy in The Bronx (Menswear Blogger and Influencer) ""My first impression is, beautiful sparse colors.""-Jorge Colombo (Artist)