First off, what role does your art play in your life?
Art has always been an important part of my life. It is my vice. It is my hobby. It is my passion. Art is what I turn to when I am sad or happy, bored and/or inspired. It is a venue that allows for uncensored expression and I take advantage of it every day.

Where do you live and what is it like?
I live in New York City. What is it like? Hmm...invigorating chaos!

Where did you learn to craft?
I started taking arts and crafts classes as a young child and continued my art studies at LaGuardia High School of Music, Art and Performing Arts - the FAME school! After completing high school, I began going to a small art college when I started to feel like I was losing my passion for the arts. It was becoming a chore, or rather, homework. I took a break from creating things, although my love for photography never ceased. I continued taking pictures. After several years, I started dabbling again with my pencils and paints. Then, approximately five years ago, I bought a pair of earrings at a small NYC boutique. I couldn't really afford them but I REALLY wanted them. After looking at them for awhile I realized I could make a pair just like it. The next day I went to a bead store and having no prior jewelry making experience, I began making jewelry. Four years later, after marveling over tons of handmade greeting cards on Etsy, I decided to start playing with paper and making my own cards - something I often did until the age of twelve. You can read about why I stopped in my blog post "Something I Did as a Child I Will Always Remember.”

If there is a new craft you could learn, what would it be and why?
I think if I could learn another craft I would learn how to make soap. I'm very picky with the soaps I use, mostly because I have very sensitive skin, but I love receiving soaps. I love smelling them, especially the ones that look like cake - they look good enough to eat.

Where do you receive your inspiration, in general?
My inspiration comes from nature. I love to travel and see the wonderful sites of the world. I believe that everything is a part of nature and all of its elements are reflected in things we make. My work, particularly my jewelry is designed with this philosophy in mind.

How did you come to find a home on ArtFire?
I often participate in the Etsy forums and am always looking for crafters' ideas and tips for selling, marketing and the like, to write about on my blog. I came across discussions on ArtFire in the Etsy forums and decided, after writing about the pros and cons of the site, to give it a try myself. The features have only gotten better with time, and I am excited to be a member.

What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?
Like writers, sometimes artists have a block. Don't get discouraged! Sometimes the greatest thing is to step back from your work and take a break. When you come back to it, you'll remember everything you always loved about it and your work will be so much better.

What is the most treasured thing in your craft stash?
I absolutely HATE picking favorites. There are SO many things to like - all for different reasons. Since I must choose, I will say "Making the Day" is my most treasured item. Making the Day is a black and white photograph I took in 2005 while I was doing volunteer work in Havana, Cuba. I traveled there with It's Just the Kids, Inc. to build four playgrounds in municipalities that really needed them. Children from the communities were ecstatic and this photo captures a few school children's excitement. Their faces are priceless!

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