That is such a hard question... I have a running list, but if I had to choose top 3: I love Georgia O’Keeffe for how captured the romance of Hawaii, Eugene Savage for iconic Hawaii art with his bright color palette, and Pegge Hopper for her iconic women of Hawaii.

I usually find inspiration when I go out to the different locations around the island to enjoy the view and people watch or go to different museums. My favorite one is the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Art always makes me think and challenge how I might view something. I would sit and stare at pieces and ask, "What is the technique they use?", "What colors did they mix?", "How many compositions did they do before choosing this one?" It’s also a great way for me to learn about different cultures and how they work in communities. When I travel, I try to visit museums to learn about their art.

I always did some form of art like photography or drawing in high school, and then pursued oil painting in college. I was a little nervous because it was different from my family who were all in the medical field. But they were very supportive of me in my passion for where I am today. I started with doing art for Chinatown shows and some shows in Haleiwa, then after graduating college - I started working in Pictures Plus in Kahala and learned about framing, which I thought was perfect as an artist. I was in the storefront for a while, then I had the opportunity to do art for CocoNene and do my art on the side at pop-up markets.

My favorite year-round piece I have created for CocoNene is the mid-century modern "Diamond Head." It was particularly challenging because I had to think of a different way of viewing the iconic Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head in the background. As a traditional artist, I had to break out of the thought process of thinking "Is it in the correct proportions?" The other favorite during our holiday season is the Nativity set! It was so fun making it and having a Hawaii-influenced version. My family and friends love collecting different Nativity sets and it was the perfect one to add to ours and others’ collections.

I would define being a successful artist as having a steady job as an artist, that I don't have to work in a different job field to be an artist. I can say I make a living off making art for CocoNene and my personal art. I hope to continue being successful by growing and developing new techniques as an artist. Lastly, I think being a successful artist, I can make connections to people or a community that appreciates and engages with my art.