So I just completed a new study of 1877 tall ship ELISSA, the boat I have had the privilege of volunteering on as crew for almost two years now

Let’s be honest—if the goal were to grow as fast as possible, hitting milestone after milestone, we’d probably burn out before we even got anywhere. Sure, rapid success sounds great in theory, but at what cost? If we’re constantly chasing the next big thing, we miss the magic of the small things—the quiet wins, the unexpected lessons, the moments that shape us into artists (and humans) with depth, resilience, and actual joy in what we do.

For me, this realization has been a game changer. It means a mindset shift from setting idealistic standards for my schedule based on how other people operate, to the realization that I was made to operate as God intended, uniquely and wonderfully.

Both have their appeal, but they always felt like they were steering toward some future goal, some distant vision. That’s not quite what I’m after. My work is about the here and now—present, practical, visceral. And that’s where the maritime genre swept in, salty air and all, to anchor my ideas.

You know that horizon that can squint at as hard as you can, and still not see the end? And no matter how hard and fast you travel toward it, it just keeps going?  

Seated on the deck of that sloop, it hit me.

Finding my artistic voice has been a journey. While I loved a variety of subjects, something was missing. It wasn’t until I fell in love with sailing and the sea that I finally found the missing piece. I’m diving headfirst into a creative transformation, and I couldn’t be more excited to take you along for the ride.

What if this entire year of change after change, roadblock after roadblock in my multiple places of work, were just a sign that I needed to take a step back and pour my heart into MY work – the work of being an artist. In my heart of hearts, I knew I would not be at peace with myself if I didn’t.