This photograph is of my first granddaughter, Nadia, playing in the sand at Coney Island. It was 2009. I was on a journey to redefine myself in the big city.

This photo captures the moments of joy, yet reminds the challenges I was facing being in an amazing city, yet a scary and overwhelming place. At times I was elated! On some days, I was absolutely frightened. But on this day, I put all that aside to visit with my granddaughter and take her to the beach.

Like most Jersey natives, a day at the beach is considered a blessing. My most happiest times were spent there. The shore can be a place where you forget your troubles, and just laugh. On this day that is what I wanted for my granddaughter. She embraced it with gusto.

Being close to nature, the world can be infinite place of wonder. I loved watching her enjoying the world. These types of moments could be an inspiration for my paintings. If I can make someone smile and think in an enlightened way, then I have achieve my goal.