There is a draw that comes from painting impossible things in a way that makes them feel undeniably real. Art is painting a picture that in its corporeal self is a lie-it represents what does not exist- but what makes it art is ephemeral. It communicates what cannot be said, and it shares something that belongs only to the human artist who created it. This is as close as I can come to describing in words the type of art I like to create, imaginative realism.

I find inspiration from my very boring childhood, and the development of imagination so strong it has carried me through tragedy. The ability to be lost in another world, feeling the almost meditative calm that comes when putting pencil to paper, brush to canvas, and rendering of imagination can bring a much-needed respite when living through the harshest moments of life.

I would buy a headstone for my sister who passed in September, and mother who passed last month. I would use it to get eye surgery-so I can continue to see. And I would use it to go to college and get an education.