“Art is when you hear a knocking from your soul — and you answer.” ~Terri Guillemets

This statement will tell you who and what I am. Why I fight, why I love, and why I have to act. I will show you the outlooks that I take on my craft. Finally I talk of my call as an actor.

I make art because I need to. I feel a burning, untamable, explosive desire to reveal my friends, family, and the world to each other. It's funny how people can be so close yet so blind. When I see the world, I see potential. A world where everyone understands and loves each other. That is what I want. That is the journey.

A curse inspires my art. I see both sides to a story. Even in the most brutal situation, when everyone sees differently. I can’t help it. It's a responsibility, really. I wonder why my Dad decided to isolate himself and follow his dream while his family drifted from him. Why my bunkmate at acting camp attempted suicide four times. Why Martin Luther King Jr. decided to take the stand which lead to his assassination in my home city. The Arts is powerful. It can give hope and take it away. It teaches lessons that literally save or destroy someone's life. When I act, I am doing so to save lives. If my performance is truthful - if I can influence audience members, teachers, auditioners to understand - then I have done my job, my service to society.

Actors are modern day shaman nobles. We experience the worst of emotions. The great actors will endure great pain to draw others that much closer to the truth. We experience so they don't have to. In order to be real with my character, I must be real with myself. I am willing to make sacrifices.

The importance of this art form is crucial to shaping our society. There is greater need for truth today than any other. Our country encourages falsehood. Reality TV is an example of what reality is not. That is disheartening. I hear silent voices speaking out against it, but they need a leader. They need someone to hammer in the nails of falsehood's coffin. I can lead the charge for truth.