Artist Statement

As an illustrator and author, I believe creativity can connect us to a world just beyond our everyday one; a space not unlike the space between sleep and awake, or even life and death. Children seem to connect to this place with ease, while adults often long to return. How often do we say, "Wow, that made me feel like a kid again!"? My illustrations aim to recapture that space, that mystical, dreamy place where we long to revisit. A life-altering event years ago unexpectedly reconnected me with that child within. It took years to see that my art was the silver lining—an invitation back to wonder and a way to give that experience form. In this visual adaptation there is a pause for the viewer, a spark of curiosity, and at times a smile. This place can be playful, reflective, reactive, and carry depth well beyond just a whimsical representation. Through this work, I’ve always tried to bridge ages and perspectives and create a shared experience within our imagination. Many of these drawings first took shape within my second book, The Curious Reality in Imagination: A Creative Odyssey, and a few are for a book yet to be completed.