At the 2024 Dyfference Makers Gala, guests were treated to an original painting donated by Tulsa-based artist and creative visionary Ryan Smart, founder of Splinter Block—the creative services one-stop-shop you didn’t know you were searching for.

Ryan’s piece, titled “Giant Step,” is a 3” x 3” acrylic on canvas that silently tells a story. It features a suited astronaut playing Scrabble in a cozy bedroom—a striking juxtaposition of the extraordinary and the everyday. The words “ALONE”, “STRUGGLE,” and “GREAT” appear on the scrabble board, with some letters out of place and the words are misspelled. This invites viewers to reflect on exploration, imagination, and the quiet power of language. While the scrabble player has achieved the ultimate goal of being an astronaut. It shows that he struggles and feels isolated.

But the story behind the art is just as powerful. Ryan shared his personal journey with dyslexia and color blindness—two challenges that have shaped his creative lens and deepened his commitment to emotionally resonant designs. His vulnerability and artistry made “Giant Step” more than an auction item—it became a symbol of courage, curiosity, and the beauty of thinking differently.

We’re honored to have Ryan as part of the Dyfference Makers community, and grateful for the inspiration he continues to spark.