What is the best thing that I love about my work?
The best thing I love about my work is that it has given me a way to understand and express parts of myself that I could not always put into words. When I create, I can take emotions, experiences, questions, and even difficult moments and transform them into something meaningful. I love the freedom to experiment and follow an idea wherever it leads me, without always knowing what the final result will be. My art has become a journey of self-discovery, and I continue to learn more about myself through the process. I also love that my creative journey led me to create Artflow Alliance, giving me the opportunity to connect with artists from around the world and help create opportunities for others to be seen. After spending much of my life afraid of being seen myself, helping other artists share their voices has become deeply meaningful to me. I love that my work allows me to keep growing, remain curious, and turn my experiences into something that can inspire and connect with others.
What is my idea of happiness?
My idea of happiness is feeling connected to myself, the people I love, and the creative work that gives my life meaning. It is having the freedom to follow my curiosity and create without feeling that I have to fit into someone else’s expectations. Happiness is being able to look back and recognize how far I have come, while still feeling excited about what is ahead. It is discovering something new, having meaningful conversations, laughing with the people I love, and finding beauty in unexpected places. I am happiest when I am creating, learning, connecting with other artists, and helping someone else believe in their own possibilities. For me, happiness is not a life without challenges. It is knowing that even when the path is uncertain, I can continue taking the next step and trust that something meaningful will unfold.
What is my greatest fear?
My greatest fear has been failure. I have often been afraid of taking a risk, making the wrong decision, or investing my time and energy into something only to watch it fall apart. Failure can make me question whether I am capable or whether I should have tried at all. However, my journey has taught me that failure is not the opposite of success; it is part of the path toward discovering who I am and what I am truly meant to do. I have experienced moments when I thought I had lost everything I had built, only to discover new possibilities I could not have imagined before. I have learned that even when something does not work out, I can begin again with everything I have learned.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
The trait I most deplore in myself is my tendency to doubt myself. I can sometimes question my decisions, my abilities, and whether I am truly capable of achieving the things I envision. I have allowed the possibility of failure to make me hesitate when I should have trusted myself.
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?
The living person in my profession whom I most admire is Yayoi Kusama. I admire her ability to create an unmistakable artistic world that is completely her own. Her work demonstrates the power of embracing your unique perspective rather than trying to fit into someone else’s idea of what art should be. I am inspired by her persistence, her willingness to experiment, and the way she has continued creating throughout her life. Her work reminds me that an artist’s vision can continue to evolve while remaining deeply connected to who they are. I also admire the courage it takes to remain committed to your creative voice over many decades. Yayoi Kusama inspires me to trust my own imagination and continue developing my own artistic language.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
The thing I dislike most in my work is the uncertainty that comes with it. There are times when I question whether I am making the right choices or whether the work I am creating will connect with other people. I can also become frustrated when I have a vision in my mind but the final result does not reflect what I imagined. The creative process can be unpredictable, and sometimes I wish I could see the finished piece before beginning the journey. However, I am learning that uncertainty is also part of what makes creating meaningful.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
I am happiest in my work when I am connected to nature and open to receiving inspiration from the world around me. Some of my most meaningful creative moments have happened when I have stepped away from the noise of everyday life and allowed myself to observe the colors, patterns, movement, and energy of nature. I often find inspiration in the sky, water, trees, light, and the unexpected details that many people might overlook. These moments can spark an idea for a painting, a photograph, or an entirely new creative direction. I love the feeling of being fully present and allowing inspiration to find me rather than forcing the creative process.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
If I could change something about myself, I would change how often I have doubted my own abilities and allowed uncertainty to hold me back. I would have trusted my instincts sooner and spent less time looking outside myself for validation. I would also have learned earlier that I do not have to say yes to every opportunity or carry every responsibility placed in front of me.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
My greatest achievement in work is creating Artflow Alliance. What began as an idea grew into an international community that connects artists, creates opportunities, and gives people a place to share their work and stories. Building it has not always been easy, and there have been moments when I had to start over and question whether I should continue. However, each challenge taught me something and ultimately helped me build something stronger and more aligned with my vision. I am proud that Artflow Alliance has become more than a platform for my own work. It has become a space where artists can connect, learn, be seen, and support one another. Creating something that helps other people believe in their own creative journeys is one of the greatest achievements of my life.
Where would I most like to live?
I would most like to live right next to the ocean. I currently live about forty minutes from the coast in New Jersey, and even being relatively close to the water brings me a sense of peace and inspiration. I love watching the waves, listening to the water, and being surrounded by the natural beauty of the coast. At the same time, being close to my family is very important to me, so I would not want to move far away from them. My ideal home would be somewhere along the ocean where I could wake up near the water, remain close to the people I love, and have nature as a constant source of inspiration for my art. I would love to have a studio where I could create while looking out at the ocean.
What is my most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession is my wedding ring. It represents the love, commitment, and life my husband and I have built together. To me, it is much more than a piece of jewelry; it carries the memories of our journey and the promises we made to one another. Whenever I look at it, I am reminded of the person who has shared so much of life with me and stood beside me through both the beautiful and difficult moments.
What is my most marked characteristic?
My most marked characteristic is my curiosity. I often feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland, always willing to follow the next rabbit hole and see where it leads. I can become completely absorbed in researching a subject, following one interesting detail to another until I find myself somewhere I never expected to be. This curiosity influences both my art and my life. I am fascinated by connections between history, nature, symbolism, people, and ideas, and I love discovering relationships that may not be obvious at first.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
My most inspirational location is the Maurice River and the surrounding wetlands. The wetlands are home to many diverse species, and I am continually inspired by the incredible variety of life that exists within this ecosystem. Through my work as a Watershed Ambassador and my involvement with Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River, I have had the opportunity to learn more deeply about the environment and the importance of protecting these places. Being near the water allows me to slow down and observe the details of the world around me. The movement of the water, changing light, trees, wildlife, and history of the landscape all inspire me creatively. I am fascinated by the way every living thing is connected and how even the smallest part of an ecosystem plays an important role. The Maurice River and its wetlands remind me to remain curious, pay attention, and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
My favorite place to eat and drink is El Guacamole, an upscale Mexican restaurant in the heart of the arts district. My husband and I really enjoy going there together, and they have the best chimichangas. I love the vibrant atmosphere and the fact that it is surrounded by creativity and art. It is one of our favorite places to enjoy a delicious meal together.
What books influenced my life and how?
One book that has influenced my life is Your Word Is Your Wand by Florence Scovel Shinn. It taught me to be more conscious of the words I use and the thoughts I carry, and it encouraged me to believe in the power of possibility. I have also been deeply influenced by the works of Jules Verne. His stories expanded my imagination and encouraged me to explore worlds beyond what seemed immediately possible. I love the way his writing inspires curiosity, adventure, and wonder. Both have influenced the way I think, create, and approach the unknown. They remind me that imagination can open doors to possibilities we may not yet be able to see.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen to on my last day?
On my last day, I would listen to mysterious, atmospheric instrumental music featuring the duduk, a traditional Armenian woodwind instrument. There is something haunting and deeply emotional about its sound that speaks to me. I love music that feels as though it is carrying a story from another time or place. The duduk can create a sense of mystery, wonder, and reflection without needing words. I think it would be the perfect music for contemplating life, the unknown, and whatever comes next.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
My heroine in fiction is Alice from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. I relate to her curiosity and her willingness to follow the unknown, even when she has no idea where the path will lead. Alice is constantly asking questions, exploring unfamiliar worlds, and trying to make sense of the unexpected. I see something of myself in her tendency to follow one rabbit hole after another, often discovering something new along the way. I admire her ability to remain curious even when the world around her seems confusing or impossible. Alice reminds me that the most unexpected journeys can lead to the most extraordinary discoveries.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
My heroes and heroines in real life are my family, especially my husband. I have watched him overcome the trauma of his childhood and remain determined to create a better life for our family and our children. When our son was born prematurely at home and suffered a collapsed lung, my husband faced an incredibly frightening situation while also beginning a new job that same day. His strength, resilience, and determination have always inspired me. I admire the way he has taken the difficult experiences of his own childhood and used them as motivation to give our children something better. My family has taught me that courage is not always dramatic; sometimes it is simply continuing to show up, love, protect, and keep moving forward.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?
The movie I would recommend seeing at least once in a lifetime is Coraline. It originally was my daughter’s favorite movie when she was little, so I watched it with her over and over again. Each time I watched, I discovered new symbolism and details hidden within the story. I love that it can be enjoyed as a beautifully imaginative story while also revealing deeper meanings beneath the surface. It is one of those rare occasions when I actually think the movie is even better than the book.
What role do stories play in my life and work?
Stories play an important role in both my life and my work because they help me understand the world and connect with other people. I have always been drawn to the stories hidden beneath the surface of things, whether they are found in art, history, nature, mythology, or the experiences of other people. My own life has also become a story of transformation, learning, failure, resilience, and continuing to move forward. I believe every person has a story worth hearing, and those stories can help us feel less alone.
What do the words “You are the storyteller of your own life” mean to me?
The words “You are the storyteller of your own life” remind me that I have the power to decide how I move forward and what meaning I give to my experiences. I cannot always control what happens to me, but I can choose how I respond and what I learn from it.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My mother is my greatest fan, sponsor, and partner in crime. For much of my childhood, it was just the two of us, and we shared countless adventures together. Whether we were huddled over a heater vent with a blanket during cold winters, exploring swimming holes during hot summers, venturing into the forest on a hike, or stranded on the side of the road with car trouble, we were together. Those experiences created a bond that has lasted throughout my life. She has always supported my creativity and encouraged me to follow my own path. I know I can count on her to believe in me, join me on an adventure, or help me find a way through whatever unexpected situation life brings.
Which people or companies would I like to work with?
The people and organizations I would most like to work with are:
- Master Sri Akarshana
- Annie Bardonski
- Timothy Schultz
- Tony Robbins
- Yayoi Kusama
- National Geographic
- Michael Kors
- The National Archives
- Heidi Klum
- HGTV
These individuals and organizations connect with different parts of my journey, from spirituality and personal growth to storytelling, personal transformation, artistic expression, nature, exploration, fashion, design, history, research, entrepreneurship, and creative spaces. I would love the opportunity to collaborate with people and organizations whose work has had a meaningful impact on my life and who share a desire to inspire and support others.
What project am I looking forward to working on?
I am especially looking forward to working on the 2026 Artflow Alliance Artist Showcase. This will be a virtual exhibition open to artists from around the world, giving creatives the opportunity to share their work with an international audience. I love the idea of bringing together artists from different backgrounds, cultures, and creative disciplines in one shared digital space. I am excited to see the variety of perspectives and artistic voices that will come together. Creating opportunities for artists to be seen and connected is at the heart of what I do, and I look forward to making this showcase a meaningful experience for everyone involved.
Where can you see me or my work?
You can see me and my work through the Artflow Alliance LinkedIn group, view video walkthroughs of past exhibitions on YouTube, and stay updated on artistic opportunities by subscribing to the Artflow Alliance Insider newsletter. I share my artwork, creative projects, exhibitions, and the work of artists from around the world through these platforms.
LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/
Newsletter: https://medium.com/@
Exhibitions: https://youtube.com/@
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
The words “Passion Never Retires” remind me that creativity and purpose do not have an expiration date. We do not have to stop learning, exploring, creating, or pursuing our dreams because we reach a certain age or because life takes us in an unexpected direction. My own journey has continued to evolve, and I have discovered new passions and possibilities at different stages of my life. I believe there is always time to begin something new, return to something you love, or follow a dream you once set aside. Passion can change and grow with us, but it does not have to disappear. As long as we remain curious and willing to take the next step, there is always more to discover and create.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
The creative heroines I would love to see invited to share their stories include:
- Annie Bardonski
- Living Dead Girl Nicole Garcia
I believe both women have unique journeys and perspectives that could inspire others to embrace their individuality, follow their creativity, and continue growing through the unexpected paths life takes them on.
How can you contact me?
The best way to contact me is via email at curator@artflowalliance.org