Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I like a variety of art media but the main goal is to tell a story with my art, to inform, and educate. My work has to have meaning so I can feel it in my soul. I believe culture is important that gives richness to daily life. Everyone has a story to tell and sharing of those stories unites all of humanity with love. I recently wrote and published a children's book that focuses on friendship, teamwork, and love. I also love to paint art that teaches about astronomy, the moon, nebula's and mars.

Where do you find inspiration?

I am captivated by the beauty found in nature and the cosmos. My inspiration comes from patterns and motifs, illuminated letterforms that combine botanicals and typography, byzantine iconography that tells a visual story, ancient pottery that depict symbols or mythological scenes. Something that has always intrigued me is the symbolic language found on ancient pottery and that the vessel itself is shaped from our earth, serving both utilitarian and narrative. Music and poetry also inspires me.

What would you do with $25,000?

I always thought if I can give back, I would like to offer support to an art student/s by giving a Scholarship. When I was in school, it meant so much to be one of three students honored with a small scholarship through the southwest watercolor guild and department at the University of Arizona. The money I received helped me to buy art supplies. I would also like to enroll in workshops to continue learning and expand my art studio.