6. What is the biggest challenge for you when producing new work, and how do you approach that challenge?\xa0 There's always that paralyzing feeling when starting with white panels or paper, that you just have to find a way past. Best to skip the 'wondering if the world really needs more paintings' stage. I wish I could tell you I always have a sack full of ideas at the ready, but I don't. I do however have a small pocket of ideas, some scraggly notes and doodles on post-its and envelopes, some pictures of exquisite things I saw out in the world, some color combinations to try out, and some ideas that I think deserve a do-over after the first try made an unexpected left turn. I'm a hands-on thinker and I just need to start touching and trying to get going. While starting to work on those little ideas, you inevitably find questions and new avenues to follow. If none of that helps I go take a walk. Or start cleaning my studio. Sometimes when I clean I find ideas I've forgotten- notes that fell behind a table or just thoughts made clear after sweeping away the dust.\xa0 \xa0 7. What advice do you have for other artists and creative people in general? I wish I had good advice! \xa0Maybe I could become Dear Amy! I love the Martha Graham quote about how each of us has a unique expression that we should not block lest the world lose it, how it's not on us to judge how good it is or how it compares with others but to just keep the channel open and be aware of your motivations. I think it's really useful when you get too in your head. So my advice is to read that. \xa0 “There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.”\xa0―Martha Graham \xa0 | 
