How long have you been creating?

I'd have to say 1st grade; I remember that doing a good job on my art assignment brought me pride & recognition. Mrs. Schmidt instructed us to cut George Washington's silhouette out of black construction paper & glue cotton balls to it, to simulate hair. I'm sure most kids have done that project or one similar, but I won first place in my class & that was the beginning. Years later, I discovered that I could make money doing what I loved. When I was in 5th grade I would make superhero comics & sell them for a quarter. And again in high school, I would draw band logos on classmates' notebooks & jean jackets for a couple of bucks. It really wasn't about the money though. I just loved the attention (especially from the girls) & the fact that people were genuinely excited about the results.

What, besides your art, brings you creative fulfillment?

Home Improvement. There's something about getting dirty & sweaty, then looking back & seeing the fruits of your labor. Taking an empty shell, similar to a blank canvas & making it functional. I learned everything from my Dad, who I'd help in his remodeling business as early as 8 years old. I also designed kitchens for 2 years.

I still love writing songs, even though I haven't been actively in a band for about ten years.

What are your motivations for creating?

My daughter. The influence that you have on your children are a parent's real legacy, but having something physical for them to embrace is priceless. My art allows me to document my life, not in words, but with images that show emotion, state of mind & personal outlook. Sometimes I will write what was on my mind while working on a certain piece. She will always be reminded of me when she glances up at the wall.

How do you know when a piece you're working on is done?

It varies. I can create a painting, effortlessly, from start to finish in a day or two. I'll look at it, ready to pick it apart, looking for ways to improve it & then be satisfied ... convinced. Then there's another painting that, no matter what, it will string you along, give you false hopes, interupt your sleep, throw you the evil eye ... sort of like a bad relationship. Your work is funny in that way ... you do get married to it. At least I do. Your instincts will always tell you when to stop, though. You must trust yourself. It's just a natural progression as an artist.

What do you find stimulating right now? How does this influence your creative process?

Marketing my art & its possibilities. Having ideas & researching their viability for my situation. Having a vision for a brand is essential. It would be great to inherit a few million dollars & just paint for the rest of your life, but we are talking REAL LIFE here! In today's world there are so many avenues to represent yourself that it goes hand- in-hand w/ creating. Not everybody has the room on their wall or the money to splurge on a 4-foot painting, so I've recently started making ACEO's (ATC's) & that is a perfect example of marketing influencing your creativity.

What brought you to EBSQ?

I first saw the EBSQ logo attached to an auction on ebay. It was just about the time that I started painting & I think I signed up that same day. EBSQ has completely changed my perspective of art, artists & people that love what they do!

Please share some of your artistic goals for 2009.

I'd like to add acrylics to my painting repetoire, even though I have mixed feelings about the drawbacks. Another goal of mine is the creation of 3-D art ... some call them wall sculptures. I know exactly what my intentions are ...it's just a matter of implementing the correct materials to achieve the vision.

What would you like your fellow EBSQ artists and our collectors to know about you and/or your work?

I have a condition called Narcolepsy. To anyone who doesn't have a clue what that is, well ... it can also be called chronic daytime sleepiness. It is genetic, incurable & debilitating. I have a mild case that affects my ability to stay awake during "down time" or anytime when my brain is not stimulated. I am OK while driving, working & eating because I am occupied, but there are moments while watching TV or just hanging out that I can just nod out. It is uncontrollable. It makes a career in art that much more attractive. Some day I would like to be able to market myself as having the condition, become an advocate for awareness & contribute to finding a cure for it, starting at the community level.