When I started painting, a friend gave me a quote from Anais Nin: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” I am still working at peeling back those layers. I am a mark maker, painter, scratcher, slapper, scraper, and most of all, a physically and emotionally engaged artist. Nothing beats a big wide expanse of canvas or paper with which to grapple. My paintings can be energetic, colorful, quiet, subdued, hard, soft, contrasting, or complementary. The work is honest and comes from within, not trendy or prescriptive. Once I get into the studio, it doesn’t take long before I am absorbed in the work. Painting has given me agency to explore and discover truths, and magically, create a two -dimensional response. My work is my own language. I have no choice but to attempt to satisfy the unquenchable thirst to create. It is work I must do. For this opportunity and life, I am grateful.