A lot can happen when you work the same job for twenty years: friendships formed, changes good and bad, hellos and goodbyes. Nobody knows this better than Eddie Rolax, one of Gateway’s most hard-working employees. Eddie has been stationed in the 200, 300, and 400 wings as the custodian  for twenty years now and is set to retire on March 1st! While many wave to Eddie as they leave for the day, most don’t know who he really is. 

During Eddie’s twenty years as a Gateway employee, he has made friends young and old, witnessed some of his favorite Gateway teachers come and go, and has been able to enjoy seeing thousands of Gators blossom from spooked seventh graders to seniors ready to take on the world. 

What many don’t know about Eddie is that he is an avid artist! He often creates large-scale art pieces on his breaks and at home and humbly displays them around the school. He has collections ranging from different aliens, self-portraits, and even scenery pieces.

Gallery • 5 Photos

Laurel Rose Barrett

Mr. Round Tree was inspired by the movie, The Never Ending Story - one of Eddie's favorite childhood movies

Eddie started his artistic journey in 6th grade after he was inspired by his favorite cartoons and comic books. His favorites were The Hulk and Spiderman, but he was eager to create characters of his own. Eddie went through a bit of an artistic hiatus but picked it up again around the Pandemic. He has been hooked ever since!

His favorite artistic mediums are charcoal, graphite, tracing boards, and his Prisma colored pencils; however, some of his best pieces utilize items found around any household! In his pieces that feature circles, he uses McCormick’s seasoning and Folger’s caps. It goes to show that you don’t have to have fancy materials to be a great artist. 

He embraces Jamaican and African styles and cultures in the majority of his pieces. Eddie’s signature trademark in his drawings featuring people are full lips on all of the characters.

The cool thing about Eddie’s talent is that he is completely self-taught! 

Gallery • 3 Photos

Laurel Rose Barrett

Eddie was inspired by a poster in Mrs. Lynch's room and created this masterpiece!

Many feel as though they need expensive lessons or a mentor to be great. Eddie says this isn’t true:

As for his plans post-retirement, Eddie hopes to get his artistic pieces into the mainstream. He is currently looking for a screen printing company to facilitate the design of t-shirts featuring his characters! He also said he would be open to selling his characters for a profit if the right offer rolls around!

Eddie was hesitant to ever feature his art in Gateway displays, as he didn’t want to steal the thunder of the students, but after thorough convincing Eddie plans to possibly come back in the spring to feature his art at the Gateway art show! Students would be beyond inspired to see such a successful role model’s work in the show!

We asked Eddie what he will miss most about Gateway after he leaves:

Eddie also wants to leave Gateway students with these pieces of advice, “Think positive and involve yourself around people that have a lot of positive energy. Also, work hard in school and always give 100%.”

Gateway is eternally grateful for the incredible work ethic Eddie has displayed throughout his 20 years as a dutiful employee. We wish Eddie the most success and relaxation in retirement! 

You can find more of Eddie’s work on his Instagram page: @all.about.the.lips

Special shoutout to Drew Hiller, who helped Eddie to set up his Instagram account and also helped to make contact with The Chomp to arrange Eddie’s interview and article!

Feel free to leave Ed a comment here to wish him well!