“When I was three or four, I had my first experience of painting. I was thrilled by the magic of making images and watching colors mix and move. By age seven, I was sculpting people and animals. I eventually majored in graphic design, seeking a “reliable” job. It was not reliable. I moved more toward painting, which got me invited to Paris, France, and then to Mexico, and then recently earned a Master of Fine Arts degree. If any child wants to be an artist, I encourage them, and tell them, you must also take business classes and learn to market. Art is one of a few areas that did not decline during economic downturns. If you can market, you can make a good living doing art. Plan that it will take 1/3 of your time. It is worth it, and the rewards to self and society are immense.”