I was incredibly honored to receive the Figurative Artist of the Year Award in the 10th annual Art Comes Alive (ACA) competition in 2019. ACA is an international, juried fine-art competition and exhibit that awards the best emerging and professional artists. It was very humbling (and exciting!) to watch the live event online while exhibiting in Hong Kong. I am amazed at where this journey takes me—this simple ink line. It’s been a very short while since I swallowed hard and shared my first drawing with the planet. I am so glad I took that leap and I am grateful to have my family and friends support me at every step.