Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I’m most drawn to creating energetic portrait pieces—work that doesn’t just capture a likeness, but reveals the spirit of the subject. The face is the anchor, but the background is where the story expands; I use it to echo emotion, movement, and memory in a way that deepens who that person is on canvas. My choice of medium—whether oil, acrylic, or stained glass—is never fixed. It’s guided by the feeling I’m trying to translate into something tangible.

Where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration comes from what moves me—music, nature, my relationships, and the perspective I carry through different seasons of life. I stay present to those moments, because that’s where honest ideas emerge. At the same time, I don’t wait for inspiration; I meet it through the discipline of painting. And I’m continually fueled by other artists—their intention, authenticity, and commitment to their craft.

What would you do with $25,000?

I’d use $25,000 to clear the financial weight I’ve carried while pursuing art, creating space to fully focus on my craft. I’d set aside something meaningful for my wife, whose belief has sustained me. The majority would go toward transforming my garage into a dedicated studio—a place built for growth, discipline, and producing my strongest work yet.