imagine living an inauthentic life now that
I've experienced the alternative. And coming
out freed me in so many ways, including releasing
many inhibitions that were blocking me artistically.
Who have been your biggest influences, artistically
- and how would you say they have influenced you?
My biggest influence was Linda, who first taught
me what it meant to be an artist. I'll never forget
walking into her studio at age three and seeing
her giant colorful paintings lining the walls.
Immediately I knew that was what I wanted to do
with my life. There are so many artists whose work
I love and I turn to for inspiration - far too many to
mention - but a few that come to mind are Andrew
Salgado, Erik Jones, Meghan Howland, Johnie
Thornton, Melissa Forman, Barnaby Whitfield, and
John Wentz.