WHO: Chris Tracy, 26

MEDIUM: Acrylics; pen and ink

BEST KNOWN FOR: Cartoonish, comic book-esque works with a dark side beneath the surface. “It's kind of like Aesop's fables or children's stories like that, that seem nice but when you think about it, Hansel and Gretel are going to get eaten by a witch,” said Tracy, who is originally from Boerne. “That's not really a kids' story.”

PAYING THE BILLS: He works at a veterinary hospital.

PHILOSOPHY: “I try to keep a good sense of humor. I think all of my work kind of has a sense of humor to it. And if it doesn't, I usually don't show anybody,” he said.

CHECK HIM OUT: Tracy's solo show, “The best things in life are free (with purchase),” is showing at FL!GHT Gallery, 1906 S. Flores St. This show examines “the idea that nothing is free, nothing comes to you easily,” he said. “As much as you're promised, hope and a good future, it's something that's not going to come to you without giving something up. And I guess that really is about the idea that I have a full-time job and I still try to do what I do, which is not always easy.” The exhibit is open by appointment. The closing reception is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 5. Call (210) 872-2586.

Jessica Belasco | Contributor