My father was a professional artist all his life who encouraged my path as an artist.

The web of life, love, suffering and death unites all beings.

Your personal life, your professional life, and your creative life are all intertwined. I went through a few very difficult years where I felt like a failure. But it was actually really important for me to go through that. Struggle, for me, is the most inspirational thing in the world at the end of the day - as long as you treat it that way.

I was encouraged by my mother and, to a lesser extent, by my father.

James Caldwell was too big a person for just one activity. He was a great teacher and artist, a philosopher, a bonsai aficionado, an avid collector, and a wonderful mentor. He excelled at everything. He opened the door to the world. He saw joy and beauty in every millimeter of life, and he brought his vast knowledge and experience into the practice of his teaching.

No athlete ever ends his or her career the way you want to. We all want to play forever. But it doesn't work that way. Accepting the end gracefully is part of being a professional athlete.