I have embraced an ancient art form and through my representation of contemporary subject matter I have made it mine while respecting its traditions. I have been on the creative path all my life, and nothing compares to Sumi-e. The subtle way the ink bleeds into the paper, the scent of the ink and the power that a single stroke can have, is exciting every time. When all things are working in harmony, when all the elements meet, the result is one that keeps me striving to do more. I choose to paint the people I see around me, select their energy and focus on them, removing the backgrounds, allowing the viewer to create their own story. I don’t photograph my subjects respecting their privacy, I don’t sketch them, I put brush to paper and work with the elements to create a work that moves and makes an impact.