The most important lesson I have learned since beginning my journey as an artist, is that the more I study and learn-the more I realize I need to know.
I started out as an acrylic artist approximately 8 years ago. But I have drawn, and doodled since, forever. One day, someone approached me to do a mural, and the freedom I experienced with that large and open canvas (the wall)opened up a whole new ideaology, and exploration venue for me.
Returning to study art, also gave me the opportunity to experiment in other fields, doors began to 'swing' open everywhere Realization of being much more then a painter, was born. 
Now, the painter, is a mural artist, a sculpture, AND a mixed media artist.
Inspiration: the million dollar question. It is such a broad question to answer. I find mostly, that I am influenced by nature and existence.
I often am asked, what does this 'piece' mean, and usually I struggle with words to explain myself. Until recently, when I ran into a quote from Georgia O'Keefe. It basically says that:
I learned by using colors, shapes and textures to say those things which I have no words for. This seems to embody what I, as an artist am giving through my work.
Each effort I produce seems to be a catalyst for me in experimentation, growth, and learning. Being an artist, fulfills something for me that nothing else has been able to achieve. A comment I once heard, said that, when you wake up and the first thing you think about is art, and when you lay down at night, and the last thing you think about is art, then my friend you are an artist. This applies to everyone, who experiences that desire to recreate, what surrounds and influences them.
One wish I have is to be the conduit for those feelings and emotions which are too difficult for words. If somehow, along the way, I manage to touch or evoke thought for a few people, then I have achieved more then I can measure.
Valerie
