Favorite Part of Job: I have two. 1.) Telling viewers of my artwork that it's all done in nothing but colored pencil and seeing their expression change from curiosity to shock. That'll never get old. 2.) Hearing from other creatives after they've attended one of my speeches or read my books, about how much I've helped them and the progress they've made with their creative businesses.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I'm a skittles fiend.
What three words best describe you: Determined. Compassionate. Leader.
Favorite Vermont Escape: In and around Great Hosmer Pond in Craftsbury, VT.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Going for a walk or snuggling with my cats.
Favorite Super Hero: Black Widow. Any mere mortal who can keep up with the Avengers, I say bravo.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Can this Vermont beverage be maple syrup? As for the person, I would enjoy talking with Ellen Degeneres. Anyone who promotes kindness to one another, makes people laugh, and helps animals is someone I'd like to meet.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years: *Chuckle* I have no idea. I've been chronically ill for the last 10 years, since I turned 18, so if you asked me that 10 years ago, it would have been VERY different than where I'm at now. Life is too unpredictable, I plan to keep moving forward and continue to adapt to what life throws me, the good and the bad, in order to succeed on my own terms. I'm excited and curious to see where that leads.
What else would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years: Well, there are problems in the United States that are rising at alarming rates including: depression, anxiety, certain health issues, violence, incarceration, suicide, and addiction. I personally think those are all connected and stem from similar, if not the same underlying issue. I have some ideas about how this could be helped, but right now they're just ideas. Over the next few years I need to do more research, formalize a plan, and talk with experts in these fields to see if my ideas can start being implemented to test their value.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont: I grew up in VT and the more I travel, the more I realize how lucky I am to live in a state this beautiful, clean, and friendly.
Career Highlights: My career is just getting started and I try to recognize and have an internal celebration for every highlight and every success that happens, big or small. From selling my first drawing, to having a number of exhibits of my work, to being written about in the media, to publishing each of my books and having such amazing feedback from those, to having equally amazing feedback whenever I give a speech, and everything in between. I love seeing how people respond to my artwork, especially when they learn it's colored pencil. I love being able to help wildlife conservation with my work. I love helping other artists and knowing that I'm making a difference in their lives.
Community Involvement: I routinely donate some of the proceeds from my artwork to conservation organizations and campaigns, as well as using my art to bring awareness to endangered species, as well as species success stories. I'm involved in the Clean Water Network, as well as the Vermont Creative Network, and others. I was on the Vermont Changemakers Table for the 2017-2018 cohort. I'm active in the recovery community here in Vermont, supporting those in recovery from substance abuse disorder. I've volunteered at places like Burlington City Arts and the North Central Vermont Recovery Center, as well as others, and I donate some of my artwork to causes I care about, locally and nationally, etc. I do what I can to get out and participate, to meet my legislators, go to conferences, meet locals who are making a difference, and network with other change-makers and community-minded people.