It all began with the ocean. On my honeymoon in 2001, while standing on the iconic 7 Mile Bridge and exploring the colorful streets of Key West, Florida, I felt the pull of the sea—the way its vibrant hues could awaken the soul. Growing up in the quiet beauty of Connecticut, I had always used art to express the world around me, but that moment in Florida planted the seed for something deeper.

In 2018, after years of dreaming, my family and I made the leap to Punta Gorda, where the Gulf Coast’s serene waters and brilliant sunsets inspire me daily. But life, as it does, threw a curveball. In 2020, I faced a life-changing diagnosis of stage 4 congestive heart failure. The possibility of a transplant loomed, but I chose faith over fear. In those moments of uncertainty, art became my sanctuary. It wasn’t just about painting anymore—it was about creating a legacy of color and meaning that could inspire others to find their purpose and joy.