Drawing has been part of my everyday life for as long as I can remember. But, for me, it’s not just about creativity or expression. It’s how I process what I see, what I hear, what I read. If i’m reading about the Roman Empire, then I’m drawing Roman statues, Roman emperors, Roman weapons. When I’m watching a movie, I’m drawing the characters. When i’m overwhelmed with the current state of the world, then I’m drawing my anger, or frustration, or fear. I particularly enjoy drawing portraits. I love to capture the small details that make each person unique. I love that I can ignite the spark of life in someone’s eyes with nothing but a pencil. I find inspiration in many places: tattoo designs, ancient arms and armor, propaganda posters. No matter where my academic and professional paths take me, art is an essential part of who I am and how I experience, absorb and process the world around me.