From the first moment my youthful hand picked up a pencil and dared to create images that mirrored reality, a seed of fascination for art was planted within me. The magic I felt then was profound - I was awestruck by the realisation that I could conjure life-like renditions of dinosaurs, horses and beyond. The discovery of the visionary Frank Frazetta served as an explosive catalyst, further intensifying my passion for art.

At eighteen, my admiration for Frazetta and similar artists had led me to publish a magazine dedicated to their works. The magazine, complete with a color cover, was produced on offset printers in 1984. In college, my artistic pursuits broadened to include an interest in fashion design, photography, and brand design, but I soon found myself swept up by the burgeoning computer industry. This career path would serendipitously lead me to spend six years in France, a nation steeped in art history.

Immersed in the artistic landscape of France, I fell in love with the works of Monet and Rodin. The fascination led me to take up oil painting and clay modeling, trying my best to emulate their inspiring palettes and forms. Despite the pull of photography, I found myself favoring painting and pastels during my time in France.

My return to the United States around the turn of the millennium coincided with the advent of digital cameras. Although the quality was not initially stellar, the cost-effectiveness and immediacy of digital photography were exhilarating. This new medium enabled rapid iteration, facilitating swift learning through immediate feedback.

The digital photography boom and my attendance at Burning Man, a festival that captivated me with its enchanting blend of magic, mystery, beauty, and sensuality, ushered me into the world of fashion photography. I found joy in collaborating with artists, models, and fashion designers, culminating in winning the Best Fashion Photographer in San Francisco award in 2009.

Life, as it often does, led me down another path when my son was born in 2009. Juggling the responsibilities of fatherhood and a full-time computer career, I found less time for my beloved photography. Nonetheless, the emergence of increasingly advanced iPhone cameras kept the flame alive.

However, the biggest game-changer arrived six months ago when image-generating software became publicly accessible. This new wave of AI technology, particularly the astounding capabilities of Midjourney, has revitalized my artistic passion. The ability to consistently create beautiful images with AI has not only impressed me but has reignited the exhilaration I first felt as a young artist. To me, creating art is an act of bestowing beauty and meaning upon the world - a gift that continues to inspire me every day.