"The purpose of art is nothing less than the upliftment of the human spirit.' ~ St. John Paul II

One of the images of my father etched into my memory is of him with a camera around his neck. He was a seasoned amateur, and he loved capturing the moments of our lives, no matter the fuss my mom put up. She hates having her picture taken.

From there, I developed a love of film photography. I loved the mechanics of a camera, the click of the shutter, the accidental effects of double exposure - everything. Sadly, it was not a love that was pursued for a long time as I sought after more gainful education and employment. If I had it to do all over again, I would have definitely indulged my creative side with more formal instruction.

In this station of life, I am aspiring to become a "seasoned amateur" like my dad before me, both in photography and other art forms, primarily digital design, watercolor, and hand-lettering/calligraphy. With the advent of "the YouTube" and online seminars, I am learning as I go, in photography and in other art forms. Rakstar Designs originally began as a photography studio, but has since evolved as my adventures in the creative process ebb and flow their way through time and space.

Thank you for taking the time to see a part of my heart poured out in my work.