A: I'm actually somewhat of a loner, which suits a painter but may be surprising for an . The thing is, I spend so much time alone that when I am around people I really crave it, appreciate and enjoy it.
A: I am willing to embrace myself, or in other words not too concerned about pleasing others. This allows me to be braver and to follow my desires despite what others might think.
A: Kindness, drawing, painting, the ability to listen.
A: Radical empathy.
A: I consider myself a lifelong student. I think every person has something positive to share. I am constantly searching and studying the world around me.
A: Pass the wine.
A: I really appreciate humor.
A: I moved a lot growing up. I went to six elementary schools, two middle school and three high schools. I feel I've always been between things, geographically, race. I'm Mexican, Irish, Native Hawaiian and Punjabi. My parents are both mixed. Even being gay. I'm born on the first day of Aries, so I'm a cusp with Pisces. Aries Pisces is probably one of the most extreme cusp, fire and water, first and the last, and I am both. Also, the art world is a place where the mega rich often intimately hang out with artists who are barely scrapping by, opposites again. I don't know what effect this has on my psychic but I think it has formed my spiritual/ psychic foundation.
A: Actually, cooking is really relaxing for me. My mom was a professional cook. She would make my siblings and me make dinner once a week and we loved. Cooking was always fun and creative. It's very connected to making art. I also worked as a bartender for a few years.
A: It's not a hobby, but I am a painter. In large part that is why I am on this site. I could have been a dentist. I did my undergraduate at UC Berkeley and my Masters in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I've sacrificed much in order to have time to make my art. I have many a friend who choose to go the route of a more normal 9 - 5 career, but there art suffered, many stopped making all together. I am in my studio most of the week and constantly thinking about projects I'm working on. I love to do studio visits as well!
A: I would say older men. Although, I enjoy men of all ages, even younger than me, I feel like I have a special connection with older guys. More than anything I like to learn, I have an insatiable curiosity and men who have lived a full life of experience can share a lot of knowledge.
A: When I first got into this "business" many years ago, I dated a retired German/ Chinese business man. I spent his life traveling for work and planned to spend his retirement doing the same. With him I visited China multiple times, Thailand, India, Dubai, North Africa and all throughout Europe. When I moved back to the United States we fall out of contact. I still try to travel on my own, but it's hard due to finances and time. I do manage to travel a few times a year. I'm trying to explore the US, there's so much of it I haven't seen. My next trip is New Orleans in May.
A: I've recently become a little obsess with working out. It has more to do with releasing stress and overall heath, mental, spiritual and physical. I recently got a trainer, a much older but very fit man who is practically a doctor. I run a lot and eat very healthy. My diet consist of mostly vegetables and fruits, with very little meat.
A: I teach high school kids painting once a week.
A: My honesty and courage.
A: Coffee, things to read, my ability to continue my art practice, friends and lovers.