Personal Experiences

1. What’s a moment in your artistic journey when you felt completely out of place?

*Literally every minute of it*

2. Can you share a time when an imperfection in your work led to a surprising or creative outcome?

No. I just paint over it. One time I dropped the brush while painting a tree, leaving a splotch that was completely out of place. So I Bob Ross-ed it and added more so it looked like falling leaves.

3. What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned about expressing your authentic self through your art?

Sometimes you just have to stop and walk away instead of fixating. Stop touching it. You’re making it worse.

Real Talk on Self-Acceptance

1. How do you truly feel about the flaws in your artwork?

I hate them and I always see them. Even years later. Sometimes I rework them. Sometimes I just accept them and move on. It’s like artistic cellulite. It’s there. There’s no changing it. Just put it in a room with dimmer lighting and hope no one notices it. OR put glitter on it. No one sees past glitter.

2. What’s something about your artistic style or process that you struggle to accept?

It’s slow and I do a lot of erasing and correcting. I would be a terrible tattoo artist.

3. If you could give your younger self advice about embracing imperfections in your art, what would it be?

Drink. It makes it easier to trust the process.

Community and Connection

1. Have you ever felt judged for your unique artistic style? How did that impact you?

No

2. What’s the most supportive thing someone in the art community has said to you during a tough time?

“Can I purchase this?”

3. How do you connect with other artists or misfits in your field?

I don’t.

Unfiltered Perspectives on Beauty

1. What does "beauty" look like to you in an imperfect artistic world?

This question made my eyes roll out of my head. It was painful. I might die.

2. How do you think social media impacts artists' perceptions of their own work?

The same way it affects anybody. There will always be someone better than me, more skilled, more creative. There will also always be someone much much worse…who is still making money because they have the confidence of a 5yr old in a superhero costume.

3. What’s your perspective on the pressure to conform to certain artistic trends or styles?

I don’t feel pressure to conform to anything artistically.

Growth Through Struggles

1. Can you share a moment when you felt like giving up on your art? What motivated you to keep creating?

When I started watercolors. Nothing humbles your confidence as an artist quite like watercolor. I tore up paintings and threw paintbrushes across the room like an actress in a Spanish soap opera. Then I started taking 30 minute classes on Skillshare and realized that paper is EVERYTHING in watercolor painting. And I was using the wrong kind.

2. How have your struggles as an artist shaped your creative voice?

More eye rolling and a little bit of vomit.

3. What’s a misconception people have about you or your work due to your artistic journey?

People think I have some kind of a distinct process that I can explain as if it is meaningful. It’s not. It’s is completely mood driven and I make it up as I go. Sometimes I have a specific inspiration. And sometimes I just throw shit on the floor and scatter it around until something jumps out at me. It’s not that deep. People also assume that because I have artistic talent that I’m constantly creating something or looking for commissions. I hate it when people ask what my next project is…..as if I’m some kind of art generating machine with a strategic plan for growth. I’m not. I’m just a person with who goes through art phases. And you can’t force them. My creative muse is like a hibernating bear with very specific interests. Nothing good will come from forcing it out of its cave before it’s ready. And it definitely does not want to do a painting of your daughter’s wedding.

Authentic Future Vision

1. What’s one thing you wish people understood about artists who embrace their imperfections?

See answer to previous question.

2. How can we foster a more inclusive space for artists to express themselves authentically?

I don’t even know what that means. What are you? AI generated corporate HR for artists?

3. What message do you want to convey to others who feel like they don’t fit into traditional artistic norms?

Artistic norms are boring. It’s not that serious. Just do the thing.