What do you believe is the role of the arts in our lives and why is that important?

The arts, no matter the outlet, have the power to inspire, challenge, and heal. They encourage us to see the world differently, to feel deeply, and to find beauty even in chaos. They remind us to slow down, to ground ourselves in the present, and to experience life with all of our senses. In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, the act of creating or experiencing art reconnects the mind to the body, the hand to the heart, and the self to the moment.

Painters, photographers, writers, singers, and other artists alike, are not just creators; they are witnesses and interpreters of the world’s chaos and beauty. Through the arts, we can reach across time and space to glimpse what the creator felt or saw. They invite us to step into their perspectives, to experience their joys, sorrows, and inspirations as if they were our own.

In many ways, they are reminders of what it means to be human. They help us when life feels untethered, give us space to imagine when reality feels constricting, and remind us of the extraordinary in the every day. They are the heartbeat of culture and keepers of memory. Through the arts, we find not only the world but also ourselves, more deeply and more vividly than before.

Chugach Mountains, Alaska

What inspires you to create and keep at it?

Inspiration comes from everywhere and everything in my life—nature, human connection, fleeting moments, and even silence. Sometimes it’s the grandeur of space that humbles me, and other times, it’s the small, overlooked details, like the minimalist lines of a landscape or the glint of sunlight through a cracked window. People inspire me too, in their stories, their energy, and their resilience.

But more than anything, it’s the desire to document, interpret and know the world, to show that beauty exists in the ordinary and the extraordinary. It’s about telling a story, preserving a feeling, or asking a question through the lens of my perspective. Creation is my way of making sense of the world and inviting others to see it from a different angle.

  • The name symbolizes growth, connection, and rootedness. A grove is a place of unity and serenity, where individual trees come together to create something greater than themselves. Similarly, The Grove Gallery is a curated space where individual pieces of art and photography combine to tell a larger story—a journey of moments, emotions, and perspectives that invite viewers to pause and reflect.

  • Nature is grounding, humbling, and endlessly inspiring. It reminds us of both our smallness and our interconnectedness. Whether it’s the sweeping majesty of a canyon or the delicate intricacy of a leaf, nature has a way of speaking truths that words often cannot. My goal is to bring those truths to life through my work, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with the world and themselves.

  • Simply start— anywhere, somewhere. Start big or start small, but let go of the idea that it has to be perfect or that you're “just waiting for the right time".” Experiment, make mistakes, get messy, explore with textures, lighting, different tools and mediums, then make some more mistakes, but most importantly, have fun!

    Remember to enjoy the process of creating. It’s half about letting go of control and half joining in on the chaos of inspiration. Your journey will be as unique and as wondrous as the work you create.

Grand Canyon, Arizona Photo Credit: Zac McGee

  • Each piece of art I create, or photograph I capture, is a tale that is both personal and universal. I see every creation as a chapter in a larger narrative—one that explores the journey of self-discovery, the power of resilience, the awe of wonderment, and the deep, intertwined relationship between humanity and the natural world.

    Through my work, I hope to evoke emotions, inspire creativity, and offer new perspectives that invite viewers to reflect on their own stories. My goal is to spark a sense of connection, unity, and motivation, creating a space where people can feel understood and empowered in their own paths. I want my art to be a reminder that we are all part of a larger, shared experience, and together, we can find strength and solidarity in what we create.

  • I’m always open to licensing opportunities and collaborations for the right projects! If you're interested in using my artwork or photography for commercial or personal purposes, whether it be as backgrounds, banners, or other creative applications, feel free to reach out.

    For personal or commercial use, a small contribution can be made to license my images. For a detailed list of my commercial and personal use agreements, please click here and let’s connect and explore how my work can complement your vision.

  • It’s a dance of sorts, really. Balancing the personal and professional sides of my creativity is what helps keep me staying inspired and motivated. I see them as deeply intertwined—my work is an expression of my true self, crafted for the pure love of creation. The professional side simply becomes an extension of that personal passion.

    I’m just so incredibly fortunate that others resonate with my work in the same way, and I’m truly grateful when they choose to make it a part of their lives by purchasing it. The joy of creating and sharing in that joy is what fuels the entire process, and the balance comes from honoring both my artistic freedom and the connections that my work fosters with others.