I've always been an "artsy" person. As a little kid, my lack of hand-eye coordination meant baseball, soccer, volleyball, and playing the piano with both hands were out of the question. Thank goodness I come from a family of artists and musicians. My mother enrolled me into dance classes in a tiny studio over the Elkton, MD Arts Council where I studied Isadora Duncan-style modern dance, ballet, and pointe. I was a drama geek, but my lack of a singing voice meant most of my roles were in the dance ensemble or managing set design. I signed up for drawing and photography classes to avoid having to join student government or anything else that gives introverts night-terrors.

I enjoy getting away from what's familiar, both geographically and artistically. I went to an art school in West Virginia while my classmates stayed in Maryland. I experimented in art and studied mixed media and photography when I had the credits to spare. When I didn't, I worked on weird projects in my R.A. room, like making papier mache flying pigs out of Swine Flu flyers.

I finally pushed my boundaries of exploration when I left to teach English in Japan for two years. I met great artists, dancers, and designers and learned a lot about what the creative process can do and mean for others.

My photography and art isn't about shock or statements. It's more about slowing down and noticing the details, beauty, history, craft, and wonder that the world has for us. It's not about me or you: it's about life and appreciating what we see and have.