Animals have always made an impact on me, and I often make them the subject of my art.  They are able to connect with people in incredible ways and I am blown away by stories I've come across about service animals.  While I have trained my family's dog to give me hugs, another animal is the focus of my piece here.

Created during a stretch of intense pain, the process of making this piece proved to be an effective way to escape my pain just enough to take the edge off, which is why it's dubbed "Helpful Ostrich."

I have lived most of my life with Behcet’s Disease and Autonomic Neuropathy. These conditions cause severe pain and fatigue, making everyday tasks very difficult.

Making art allows me to visually express myself in a cathartic way, to distract myself from pain, and to have a sense of purpose. I always keep sketch books within reach and do most of my artwork from bed.