People often ask me, “What inspires you?”—and I’ve always found it a tricky question to answer. It feels strange because, in reality, what inspires me comes from a deep place within my emotions and subconscious. It’s not something I can easily explain. For a long time, I felt vulnerable sharing that truth, so I would default to saying, “Everything inspires me.” But that response never quite felt right, and it rarely satisfied the person asking.
The truth is, I much prefer for people to form their own interpretations of my work. That’s the beauty of surreal art—it takes on a life of its own, and no two viewers will see it the same way. Every time I sit down to paint, I may start with a loose idea, but the piece usually transforms into something completely unexpected. It’s as if the painting itself begins to guide me, and when I step back from it, I’m often just as surprised as anyone else by the end result. Sometimes, when I look at a painting after a long break, I see things I never noticed before.
For me, painting is the one time where my mind quiets down. It’s a space where I can connect with different parts of myself and let them speak, whether it’s channeling God or simply releasing my inner chaos in a healthy way. One of the most fascinating things is when people see creatures or hidden faces in my art that I wasn’t even aware I’d painted. It allows them to tap into their own imagination, and I love hearing their interpretations.
I’ve come to realize that creativity is something we all need. Whether it's painting, writing, dancing, or playing music, these outlets allow us to be fully present in the moment. Art doesn’t have to be about creating a masterpiece; it’s about self-expression and the joy of discovery. You don’t need to consider yourself an artist to pick up a paintbrush. It’s more about giving yourself permission to explore new ways of expressing what’s inside you.
If you haven’t already, I’d encourage you to invest in some art supplies—nothing fancy, just enough to get started. You might be surprised by the peace you find when you let go of expectations and simply create for the joy of it.