Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I love figurative, abstract work on canvas but I’m a fan of discarded cardboard and other found objects to incorporate into my work. I dive in without intention to the outcome but rather move through a feeling as I’m affected not only by my personal story but also that which affects me from the outside world. You could say I create psychological portraits. I love tracing myself or shadows of myself projected on large pieces of canvas. I often work on the floor painting with my hands.

Where do you find inspiration?

Life. Stories. Mood. People. Nature. Travel. Museums. Quiet reflection. Meditation. Pleasure. Sadness. Celebration. Dreams. Aging. Music. Writing. Conflicts I need to work out. Things I can’t hold in. Love. I’m very grateful to my maternal grandmother and my mother for introducing the arts at a young age and having my peculiar way of thinking celebrated rather than dismissed. I’m inspired by my creative friends who have made art a way of life and have never given up. We are a unique community!

What would you do with $25,000?

I would gift some to my son and use the rest to help others on their creative path by building an embracing community to showcase their talents. That may look like a gallery, foundation, collective art studio, retreat, or it could fund travel so I can volunteer in communities that may not have access to the creative arts. I could teach and help.