I thought I’d start with why I do any of this. This labor of creating, writing, doing things that don’t reap immediate results, that sometimes even best of friends don’t understand.

There are some in the arts that talk of being compelled – of having no choice – they simply must create.

I'm not one of those. I relate only in so far as the work – drawing, painting, telling stories – has chosen me – I never set out to be an “artist”.

In fact, I spent much of my young adulthood rejecting the idea of being an artist. In high school I was accepted in to a magnet arts program and I turned it down. Working as an actor, I was very clear I was an actress not an artist.

The reasons for this are part of another exploration – perhaps some myth-busting about the personality characteristics of an “artist” and the reality of the work involved in a creative path.

I have a daily choice whether or not to create. I am indeed remarkable at not creating - at filling my days with myriad "more important" tasks.

But when I do, I suffer.

I create because in the process I feel joy – and I believe joy lights up the world.

It is my choice to join with joy. What's yours?

Welcome to my blog. A place to explore art, life, and spiritual reality.