In 2013, I took courage and leapt into unfamiliar waters. It was scary but I decided not to wage war with fear and instead brought it with me in my journey to the unknown. I knew in my heart what I wanted to do and trusted it with everything I had. Looking back, I feel grateful for the mistakes I made and the lessons I learned. I realized along the way that a true artist is constantly evolving and is always in a state of becoming. I asked myself this morning, “What changed?”. Everything.

In the early months of my art making, I met a gallery owner whose advice to me was, “Your art has to look serious and important in order for you to be a successful artist.” I tried to follow his advice only to find myself feeling so sad and miserable that I almost felt like quitting. So I stopped and allowed myself to create and release my work as it is with joy and gladness. I chose instead to be the odd one who dares to have fun.