Art is and always has been my saving grace. Whenever tragedy strikes, whenever I feel inspired, whenever I am tired, energetic, or whatever, art is what gets me to the next place.

My father died this week after a brief but incredibly unforgiving bout with cancer. It was a relief to have him pass so quickly, so he would not suffer further from the demon inside him. We were very close and he gave me a lot in  my life. One of the most important things he gave me was the gift of art.

My father was the illustrator for several editions of Gray's Anatomy (yes, it is more than a TV show). Ther are very few medical illustrators around, and he was the best. I remember him taking me to work with him when I was about 5 years and older. He worked in the art department at LSU Medical School. It was like taking a kid into a candly store...but for me, the candy was all of those wonderful art supplies. In addition to that, he was an avid photographer. He passed on to me the love for art and photography.

My entries into the Brickfish art and photography contests are my tribute to him. He didn't live long enough to see me complete my PhD, but with the gifts he gave me, maybe I can win some tuition money and finish. Then, when he looks at me from the other side, he can smile and know that the muse he passed on is taking care of me now.