When I read these words when looking for advice on pursuing my artistic endeavors, I was confused. I'd witnessed several examples of destruction that followed creation, but how could the inverse be true?

It's not always physical destruction that occurs within the creation process.

For me, every stroke of the brush has been accompanied by a very visceral, emotional breakdown of believing that I was not good enough to be anything, especially a painter. After years of chasing fleeting dreams of (and failing at) multiple careers, I decided that I had nothing to lose by creating and sharing my own original artwork. 

My hope is that when you look at one of my paintings, you will see the joy of life that was borne of anxiety, despair, and uncertainty.