1. What does the word “artist” mean to you and is that how you identify?

To be an artist is to prioritize the process of trying to grasp your human experience. Or realizing it's ungrasp-able but having spent the time thinking about it. I believe artists are those that have decided that all of life's hard-to-answer questions are easier dealt with through creative expression. And yes, I see myself as one of them. I actually have a hard time not seeing everyone as an artist when we really get down to it, but I made a decision several years ago now that I was going to fully embrace that title.

2. Did it take you time to adopt that identity?

I still have the imposter syndrome sneak in every now and then, but yes, having been a creative human from a very young age, it took me up until my mid twenties when I finally felt comfortable accepting myself as an artist.

3. What does the word “technology” mean to you?

Technology is a word for innovation when applied to life. We can think up incredible things through scientific study and then when we make them real and tangible, that is technology. I like to remind myself that most of the things around me were once exciting new technological developments. "Wow! Look at this fork made out of aluminum! Humans figured out how to find and use aluminum and learned how to use tools to eat and how to combine those technologies together into this amazing thing I use almost every day!" The line between art and technology can be pretty blurry sometimes.

4. What role does technology play in your art?

I mean, looking at my answer to the last question, technology is in almost every aspect of my art and music. From the most acoustic, (a guitar, a paintbrush, paper, etc.) to the most advanced, (an audio interface, an Apple Pencil, an IPad, etc.). It was all new and exciting technology at one point.

5. What role do you see art having on present global culture?

We're currently in a challenging time for artists. Well for most people on earth, but it's pretty confusing for those of us who rely on gigs and audiences and human interaction as a large art of our careers. I think most people know that art and music are important to life, but it's hard to prioritize during a time of fear and uncertainty. I believe that a crazy amount of beautiful music will come out of this time and shape the musical horizon. I believe that we will never be the same and the world of music will never be the same. Art and music will help us process, it'll help us connect again, and it will facilitate a movement out of isolation and into a new normal.

6. In your opinion, can you separate art as distinct from artist? From the environment in which it was created? From its societal era? Why or why not?

Mmmmmm, I change my answer to this question all the time. I have had moments where I've come to learn that an artist whose art I've really enjoyed, has values that lie far from mine. I don't want to look at my appreciation of the art and squash all of the beauty, enjoyment and ideals that seem to work well with my beliefs now that I have new information. I believe that people and art are complicated and exist on many levels. I want to be able to see every human as a product of their environment and of all of the experiences they've ever had, and know that there is something that I will be able to connect with and understand. They may hold opinions that I disagree with. They may hold opinions or take actions that are hurtful and cruel, but in my opinion, that doesn't discount every aspect of that person's life. No one is a lost cause. And there is still beauty that they can create.