When I was still a toddler, my maternal Grandmother started an art book for me that she actively kept for many years. Although she held an inherent gift for crafts (I do not), I also feel she recognized my love of the arts early on. The book shows my earliest "masterpieces" from the ripe old age of 12 months, and spans through until I was trying to copy much richer art in drawings as a teenager. My grandmother sadly passed away in December of 2007, but this book is now something I have to cherish for a lifetime. I have never stopped loving art, and found many times -- in and throughout my 20s -- that picking up a paintbrush would dim the chaos that might surround me... even if it was just for a little while. I think Grandma understood this and, even now, I am thankful for that.

In May of 2003, I found that art (as it had for many years prior) helped me tremendously during a very troubled period in my life. When I came home from the classroom, I would paint everyday, and did so throughout the summer. This resulted in a personal record number of paintings produced in one period of time.

My dedication to this site is a testament to my true love for art -- and for my fevered inclination toward all-things-creative. Although my productivity has slowed in recent years, I still trend toward brush and paint on occasion, and continue to remember the positive impact it has always had on my life.