I’m originally from Chicago, where I spent years in the restaurant world as a chef. I retired early from that career to focus on living fully rather than working constantly. Art first entered my life as a way to process trauma, but over time I discovered it could also capture joy, wonder, and everything in between. It has become my tool for full emotional expression—each piece a snapshot of how I was feeling in that moment.

For me, the canvas is a portal, inviting the observer to wander through realities and emotions. Form is fluid, and meaning drifts. Talking about myself has never felt natural; I’m usually more comfortable focusing on other things. Art allows me to communicate ideas and emotions in a way words often cannot, and that feels both easier and more meaningful than verbal conversation alone.