“Maybe just being alive is the ‘high point?'”

– Cortney Skinner, insidewink’s artist of the month

Who or what inspires you?

I guess there are many whos and whats.
• Day to day – my wife, Elizabeth, every single day.
• In my art – the beauty of all living things – wait… maybe all things? Especially human things.
• Spiritually – There are lots of things in Buddhism that help to keep me on a more skillful path. My friends are also wonderful examples of how to walk along within this life. Also… see Elizabeth, above.
• Humor – in all its forms and from anybody who can summon it up in this bewildering existence.

What do you love about Los Angeles?

Though living there for only a short time, I loved the arts, the weather, the people, the cultural mix, the enthusiasm, and that little bit of hot tar that was bubbling up through the sidewalk at La Brea. A reminder that no one is really in charge here on Earth. Scary & reassuring at the same time.

What is your favorite saying or your personal motto?

I wish I had a motto. It’d help me believe that I’m organized or even vaguely in charge of my life.
However, two sayings I try to remember in the midst of life’s unpredictabilities are”

“If something can be remedied,
Why get upset?
And if it cannot be remedied,
Why get upset?”

… and:
“What you think, you become.
What you feel, you attract.
What you imagine, you create.”

What’s been a real high-point in your career or life?

I’m hoping that I haven’t hit it yet. There have been lots of great peaks and some challenging valleys. Maybe just being alive is the “high point?” Why be greedy?

Pie, cake, or ice cream?

That’s not a complete, or clear question.

As food? – Yes, give me them.
As a spackle? – Blend all three, apply with a trowel.
As inner soles? – Not so much. Well, if it’s a pizza pie, and you remove the toppings, there is a possibility.
As leg warmers? – Two out of the three maybe – when fresh from the oven.
As a high school hockey coach? – Now you’re being ridiculous.

To see more of Cortney’s amazing art please check out his portfolio at:
http://www.cortneyskinner.com