On a side note: I must always remember to just be inspired - not completely influenced. I love it when the more natural, unafraid me creates from the heart not just the mind. I tend to over think my pieces and I truly believe that was drilled into me as an illustration student. Perhaps that is the clear divide between illustration and fine art - the freedom to completely express yourself without a definitive meaning behind the piece. I tried that freedom this time - when creating my mom's 60th birthday gift. To have a fun theme but not let that concept totally rule over the process.
