Color

I am grateful for color, because it brightens my world, and allows me to be all the more creative. I painted this plate at Color Me Mine last year. It's too expensive for me to go there often, but it can be a really fun creative outlet from time to time.

Gratitude for Pain

Pain is a constant in my life, and as such inspires much of my art. Without having lived with a chronic pain illness, I would not have become the person I am today. I am grateful for the pain despite the times I forget this, because it reminds me of my strength. I know I can get through anything. And I know who my true family and friends are. Those who stuck with me before I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and after, those are my true family. My Mother, Father, sister Amy, Aunt Isabelle, etc. and especially Patch and Carlie.

Sometimes I am told I am a very patient guy, but I don't see it as patience, I see it as being willing to persevere. The above painting was done when I was coming out of a particularly bad flare. It's called Myalgia, My Pain.