A Compass & A Canvas...

Following the Oklahoma storm clouds. Summer 2025

Years ago, when I first began creating art... I knew I wanted more than just to paint and draw. I wanted to travel... not just within my country, but around the world and create what inspired me along the way. I wanted to share my perspective and the beauty that surrounds us every day.

As a child, I grew up traveling throughout the United States with my family. From the East Coast to the West, we were always on the move... by car, plane, and even the occasional boat or train. Every trip was an adventure. I spent most of my summers with my elders, seeing the sights that many consider “local attractions”... and I fell in love with the small towns in between. My eyes were wide open. I fell in love with it all. Every time we left home, it was a new experience. I was grateful to be part of a family that embraced this lifestyle.

Don’t get me wrong... I definitely romanticized some places, I’ve always had an imaginative heart...from the ocean views to the campsites in the mountains. It didn't have to be perfect, but it was our adventure. But even when the trips weren’t always extravagant, we made memories together... and that’s what mattered most.

Traveling has stayed with me since. To this day, one of my fondest memories is packing my suitcase with what I considered “very necessary” art tools... sketchbooks, pencils, and anything else I could fit. I’d load them up and keep them close during the car rides or flights. Ironically, I would even bring along my summer school books just to practice in... many of which eventually became my backup sketchbooks once the others were full.

Recently, life has hit pretty hard... I lost several family members in 2024 alone, and time seemed to stand still. I experienced a level of grief and paralysis I’d never known. In the middle of all that pain, I tried to find slivers of joy. That’s when the old memories came rushing back... of being on the road, exploring, and creating. My heart ached for that feeling of freedom.

So, I took a leap. I invested in a small camper. She’s perfect... just enough space for me and my Grandmother, who I plan to bring along on these creative adventures.

Creating memories with your family and loved ones is one of the most meaningful things you can do. I look forward to sharing those moments with you all. Here’s to the journey ahead.