It is no secret that a great meal can fulfill the spirit. One bite of a favorite dish can bring a tear to the eye, can warm the body and the mind—even at its darkest hour. It is a common thread, among those lucky enough to have experienced such a delight, to fall in love with food.

A great chef, whether self-taught or professionally trained, knows that the most important ingredient in any dish is care. Compassion, love for his fellow man…that is what drives any great artist to do what he/she does. The need—not just to express—but to share what we know, what we are curious about, what we love, and what we do, is what bonds us.

Enlightenment or true understanding, the meaning and purpose of our existence, arises from investigation. When one of us comes to a realization on our path, no matter how infinitely small it may be, it is the duty of that one to share this message with as many souls as possible.

As an artist, I attempt to capture the stories that exist all around us and present them as gifts to my audience. These stories are puzzle pieces; disjointed yet echoing one another, again and again, infinitely. I believe enlightenment can be reached through this study of our surroundings.

Great art, like great food, can remind us of the simple fact that we exist.