Cal forward's passion may lead to D.C.

BERKELEY, CA

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In Berkeley, Boykin is on display at Haas Pavilion before you even enter the gym. Once he gets inside he displays his athletic ability on the floor, but basketball is not his only passion.

"I was just born with the gift. My father noticed it very early and he always encouraged me to draw," he told ABC7's Mike Shumann.

Drawing was Boykin's first love.

"Took me awhile to get out of the house, actually get outside and play because, all I wanted to do was draw," he recalled.

Boykin taught himself how to draw and continued his passion along with basketball throughout high school, but once he got to college his focus switched to school and athletics.

Recently, he made a New Year's resolution to get off Facebook and his cell phone, and get back to drawing.

"It's the Barack Obama collection. I'm drawing 44 pictures of Barack Obama," said Boykin.

Discussing the first drawing in the series, called "The Genesis," Boykin said, "I felt a spiritual connection with the picture and campaign, and it motivated me to continue to do this."

He draws in two different styles, cross hatching and pointillism.

"Draw a couple of lines straight down. Then, as you go across you get the shade. With pointillism I take a sharpie and do straight dots," he said describing the techniques.

Boykin prefers to draw with people around, using their input. His teammate Patrick Christopher recommended he cut the magazine covers in half to show off his abilities.

The project, which has consumed Boykin, includes President Obama's father, mother, wife Michelle and their daughters.

"I think it's amazing for one individual to touch so many people in such a passionate, internal way," Quame, the Cal academic coordinator.

President Obama plays basketball on Tuesdays at the White House, which is part of Boykin's final dream with his project.

"If I could be part of that group for just one game that would mean the world to me… I would love to give him the 44th picture."

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