That’s really well said. Do you have any favorite artists?

So many. From childhood, my grandfather was a painter, and I was introduced to Salvador Dalí very young—more fascination than inspiration, maybe. Same with Miró. 

I’m really into abstract and surrealism. Both of my parents are obsessed with design, so I grew up surrounded by mid-century modern. Roberto Burle Marx, the landscape designer, is a huge inspiration. It’s like asking what your favorite band is—it’s impossible to narrow down!

Do you have a favorite place to look at art, in Chicago or elsewhere?

I love the Art Institute, obviously, the Modern Wing for sure. But once I was in Paris and went to the Rodin Museum, and it completely blew my mind. It felt like the art was defying the laws of physics. I think about that visit all the time.

What’s your favorite place in the world you’ve been to, or a dream destination?

I went to New Zealand last year, which had been a lifelong dream. I spent a month there and it was the most magical place I’ve ever been. I’d love to go back and do six months of murals there someday.

What did you love about it so much?

I’m a huge nature person. I love backpacking, being outdoors all the time. In New Zealand, everywhere you look you’re blown away by the beauty of nature. You can drink water straight from streams. There are no predators—just birds—so it feels like the Garden of Eden, with butterflies and birds just flying around you. There’s a lot of big energy there that makes you feel incredible.

I never realized there weren’t predators there!

Outside of art, what other hobbies do you have?

Like I said, I love nature and being outdoors—hiking, biking, exploring, traveling, adventure. I love reading, as well. I’m usually reading two or three books at once: a business book, a self-help book, and a fantasy book all at the same time.

Any books recently that stand out?

I’m studying to become a facilitator, and I’m reading The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. It feels like it’s saying all of these things that I’ve been thinking for so long, and it’s helping me gain perspective on what it means for people to congregate and to have meaningful relationships with each other. So that’s a really powerful book right now.

Chicago isn’t exactly known for its nature. If you want to get outside without going too far, where do you go?

I do a lot of long bike rides—to the Baha’i Temple or the Chicago Botanic Gardens. I grew up right next to the gardens. I also camp a lot in Michigan and Wisconsin. Western Wisconsin, especially the Driftless Region, is stunning. I’ll pack my bike, stay with my cousin for a few days, and do insanely long rides.

Anything you want to leave us with—a story, an anecdote, a joke?

I’m terrible at remembering jokes. But I’ll say this: I’m at the very beginning of building my own business, trying to make it very intentional and values-driven. That process is an art in itself and there’s so many other artists I know that are trying to make this happen. I guess my message is out to myself and others: It’s really hard, but it’s more satisfying to have the stress of doing something that’s based in passion and values versus what might seem like a better alternative at times, and it can be overwhelming. (Laughs) 

I feel that, and I love that — thank you so much for your time!

Thank you. I really appreciate it.