by: Dee Dee Reese

Travis Wilson has lived a life marked by adventure, discipline, and artistic reinvention. A former military man, global traveler, and security specialist, Wilson’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and the rediscovery of his artistic soul.

A Life of Service and Global Exploration
Born and raised in Louisiana, Wilson embarked on a military career that took him across the world. He served for seven and a half years before being discharged after the Gulf War. His time in the Army stationed him in Germany, Kuwait, and various U.S. bases, but his true journey began after leaving the military.

Wilson’s thirst for exploration led him beyond the confines of structured military life. Traveling extensively across Asia and the Middle East, he found himself in places like Singapore, Malaysia, Turkey, and Egypt. His experiences in these regions exposed him to diverse cultures, ultimately influencing his artistic perspective.

Following his military service, Wilson transitioned into the private security sector. For over 27 years, he worked in high-level security operations, including an eight-year tenure as a diplomatic bodyguard in Paris. During this time, he safeguarded influential figures and built a successful security firm with his military colleagues.

Yet, beneath the layers of discipline and strategy, his passion for the arts never faded.

A Return to Louisiana and a Creative Awakening
After his mother’s passing, Wilson made the heartfelt decision to return to Louisiana, seeking to reconnect with his family. While one can never truly make up for lost time, he was determined to rebuild relationships and embrace a new chapter of life.

In April 2023, he settled in Shreveport, ready for a fresh start. That June, he reignited his passion for storytelling and wrote his first book since returning. What followed was nothing short of remarkable—by March 2024, he had published 17 books.

His writing explores themes of mental health, military experiences, personal struggles, and resilience. Books like Nothing Negative and The Passion of Loneliness dive deep into the psychological effects of war, trauma, and personal growth. His literature is not just storytelling; it is a testimony to survival and self-discovery.

The Unexpected Journey into Photography
While writing fueled his creative spirit, Wilson’s artistic awakening took another unexpected turn. In May 2024, after relocating briefly to Dallas and returning to Shreveport, he found himself staying at Sam’s Town Hotel.

One morning, during a routine walk, he felt a spiritual nudge—the Holy Spirit urging him to take photographs. He listened. Using only his Samsung Galaxy and occasionally an iPhone, Wilson captured the essence of Shreveport through his lens. That day, he took six photos, each one revealing a newfound artistic vision he hadn’t fully realized before.

With no formal training in photography, Wilson relied on intuition and divine inspiration. By May 2024, he had sold over 30 of his photographs. His work reflects not only the beauty of his surroundings but also the depth of his spiritual and emotional journey.

A Life Driven by Purpose
Wilson’s story is not just about career shifts or artistic ventures—it’s about listening to life’s calling. Whether through writing, photography, or his global security career, every step has been guided by a deeper sense of purpose.

Now, as he continues to publish books, capture images, and embrace his creative side, Wilson serves as a reminder that it is never too late to rediscover your passions, embrace change, and follow the path set before you.

His journey—from military bases to Parisian streets, from high-security operations to artistic expression—proves that life is a canvas waiting to be painted with new experiences.