When I get ready to paint, I usually already have an idea in mind of what I want to see on the canvas. I work from a reference photograph and set myself up on the studio floor. I don’t wear specific painting clothes, so it’s common for me to paint in a dress or even in high heels. What is non-negotiable is dedicating hours solely to myself and the painting, without checking messages or having subsequent plans that might rush me or introduce information that could pull me out of my "creative moment." In a way, I end up having a date with my canvas, or rather, a date with myself. The act of painting is meditative; it connects me with the version of myself I like best. At the same time, painting is when I feel most confident, attractive, and powerful. Beyond everything I have said previously, I must emphasize the importance of approaching painting as an extension of oneself, honestly and in a way that feels right. You cannot disconnect from yourself while painting, try to be someone else or fit into the "prototype" of an artist. The goal is not to let art change you, but rather for you to change the art; that is where transformation and innovation lie within the realm of the visual arts. The moment your art becomes a part of you and your vision is conveyed in a work, you know you are doing things right.