What is it about the I Spy books that were so enticing? The thrill of finding things hidden in plain sight. Those pages felt like little worlds – messy and magical. I used to imagine myself shrinking down, wandering around the massive marbles and blocks. I recently came across the photographer behind the iconic I Spy books, Walter Wick. He built those intricate sets by hand, carefully staging every object, using lighting and perspective in the most amazing ways. Wick’s ability to build...

Someone pinch me! 10 years ago, at the very beginning of my own painting journey, I happened upon Annie Young’s solo show. (I found a flyer for her art show at my local Nothing Bundt Cakes!) I was overwhelmed to say the least. I walked right up to her paintings, nose just inches from the canvas. The brushstrokes, the colors, the shapes – you could see the energy in them – the decisions, the risk, the confidence. They felt alive and they were feeding me inspiration. I wasn’t just looking at...

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” - Pablo Picasso My cousin is a teacher. She asked if I would speak to her 9th grade class about my art business. I agreed to do it even though it meant losing sleep the night before. The thought of a bunch of people looking at me while I’m trying to put a sentence together is daunting. I hate public speaking. Heck, I couldn’t even do a read aloud to my kid’s 2nd grade class – I made her step-dad do it. It’s...