Artistic Lense and the Road Trip Destroyer

Monument Valley Road Trip, 2024

One of the things that has ruined me being an artist is my constant need to view my surroundings as a painting. When I see a beautiful pink and orange sunset from my patio, I want to find those colors at my local art store. When I ride my bike past any random group of prickly pears, I have to stop and do a quick photo shoot. When I see a tree I like, I immediately need to break it down into a composition. I say ruined, but in reality, it's incredibly hard not to fall in love with nature and the city through my new set of artistic lenses.

​It was very similar when I was in my teens, 20s, and 30s when I was pursuing a music career. It was hard to really enjoy an album or song after I knew most of the musical secrets. Luckily, my painting hasn't spoiled my love of viewing and contemplating fine art and the classic works from the masters I admire through history.

​I'm learning to become more zen these days, especially on road trips, trying my hardest to just admire the scenic beauty instead of frantically pulling out my camera to take reference photos for later! All in all, I feel I have a newly acquired creative superpower, and I'm doing my utmost to not use it for evil!