“My family moved to central Florida when I was five. Down a nearby sand road, there lived an ancient (or so it seemed to me then) woman who grew bananas and had built a fireplace in her tiny living room. The fireplace was made out of cement and completely covered with shells and sand dollars that she had collected and imbedded in the cement. I have never forgotten that fireplace...or the woman. I think it was the first piece of art that I recognized as such.

Though my father was a very creative man, my mother influenced me the most. Both parents insisted that we be true to ourselves and follow our hearts. During my second year of college, when I realized I was unhappy with my choice of pre-med studies, it was my mother's voice that made me decide to try the college of architecture and fine art. Do what's right for you!  I can still hear her say."