Inspirational

 

Featured image: Rainbows In My Studio

Many people think I’m a gifted artist, but I don’t see myself that way. I’m just an average artist—nothing special.

But I’ve come to suspect that being “average” is exactly what helped me discover the real secret to being an artist: becoming a deeply spiritual one, and knowing and following my dream.

I’ve been driven by this dream my whole life—except during a recent downtime, and a similar period about 20 years ago, when I lost my way, my energy, and my soul. While I continued to create during those times, I only occasionally produced something truly remarkable—a powerful artistic manifestation I would even call inspired. Something wholly my own, original, one-of-a-kind.

When I create this kind of work—as I do now with my 3-D pieces—I feel I’m tapping into something greater than myself. It feels like the energy of the entire universe is flowing through me and surrounding me while I work.

That energy has strengthened my belief in a higher power—God, for me—who is greater than myself. This creative power is behind the growth of all things and is connected to all things.

I’ve come to realize that the work I’m doing, and the inspiration I feel, isn’t so much about the finished product. It’s about the state I reach while I’m creating. That place of joyful immersion. I want to visit that state as often as I can—and begin tracking not only the outcome, but the creative process itself and the emotional space it opens.

It’s not always easy to stay in that space. Thoughts creep in—like what colors are trending, or whether the work feels sophisticated enough. And I can’t tell you how crushing it is when someone walks up and says, “Oh, this would look great in a child’s room.”

In those moments, part of me wants to pull the piece off the wall. But I don’t—because another part of me wants to recoup the money I invested in it. And so that mindset lingers, because I’ve come to believe that, to be considered inspirational, one must also be commercially successful.

Still, I’m excited about my new 3-D works, and I sincerely hope you will be too.

Blessings to you all,
c

Connections

 

Featured image: Our Connections

My connections with earth, land, water, sky, and the heavens are renewed every morning.

I sit along the edge of the woods, where the land and soil are thick and rich. Water drops from the morning dew glistens in the sun.

Slowly, I listen to my breath and breathe deeply, closing my eyes, and opening my mind, becoming part of the earth, water, and sky. I am home.

Right and Wrong

 

Featured image: Friends

Opinions about right and wrong, good and evil, represent a dualistic belief system that involves moral judgment.

Rugged individuals have no need to judge others—no need to question why others are not like them. They understand; they accept what is.

They have freed their minds and souls and have made room for peace, joy, and love—things that are unencumbered by judgment.

In order to be “fair” to all, we must be willing to see and change—without the control of judgment.

This painting, Friends, represents two different individuals accepting each other and their differences.

Rolling Stones Accepted Into Exhibition

 

I’m honored and deeply grateful that my painting Rolling Stones has been accepted into the San Diego Watercolor Society’s 45th International Exhibition, held at the SDWS Gallery in Liberty Station, San Diego, California.

With 746 entries submitted by 403 artists from 30 countries and 36 states, it’s a true privilege to be included in such an inspiring and talented group.

The exhibition will be on view from September 28 to October 31, 2025 at the San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery.

Thank you to juror Kathleen Conover and the entire SDWS team for this opportunity to share my work among such incredible artists.

Feeling It

 

Featured image: Life is Like a Box of Chocolates

I can feel it

I can find it

the journey is

worthwhile

sitting quietly, grasping

all that is real

the natural way

and

our place in the world

and

finding; wilderness

naturalness

the yes, yes of life

I can feel it

the journey

Is worthwhile

Shelter Accepted into Exhibition

 

I’m truly honored and thankful that my piece Shelter has been selected for inclusion in the 38th Annual Northern National Art Competition. With nearly 600 submissions from across the country, I’m grateful to be part of this inspiring and competitive exhibition.

The show will be held at Nicolet College in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and will run from June 12 to July 26, 2025.

Thank you to juror Jaleesa Johnston and everyone involved in making this event possible.

Comfortably Numb Accepted into Exhibition

 

I’m deeply honored that my piece Comfortably Numb has been accepted into INNOVATIONS 2025, the 34th Annual International Open Juried Exhibition of the International Society of Experimental Artists (ISEA).

The exhibition will be held at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens in Ormond Beach, Florida, and will run from September 17th to November 30th, 2025.

Grateful to be included in this inspiring celebration of experimental art alongside so many talented creatives. 🎨✨