My mom told me not to talk to strangers. I didn’t listen — and I don’t regret it.

Some of the most memorable and pivotal moments of my life began with a simple hello: meeting mentors in coffee shops, sharing laughter on trains, and making fleeting connections that have fundamentally changed the way I think. These chance encounters have only fueled my passion for genuine connection, which I bring to every aspect of my work.

Art has always been instinctual for me, or something that I have done almost unconsciously whether sketching at a cafe or painting on my living room floor. Over time, I realized others were quietly watching, drawn in by the transformation unfolding in front of them. It was described to me as “seeing an image come into focus.” This is when I realized painting is more than capturing a moment. It creates an experience and facilitates connection.

Live event painting is where my passions collide. It’s a joy and an honor to turn moments into heirlooms all while letting others witness my process in real time.