“In 2021, I nearly died of pneumonia and that got my artistic wheels turning again in a way that didn’t involve culinary arts for the first time in almost a decade. I started only sketching a bit here and there and practicing my guitar again, which then grew back to painting. In 2023, I lost several friends as well as my long time canine companion (and best friend) and decided to fully pursue art again.I had that realization that life is too short to be afraid of following your dreams. I don’t like the phrase though. I say, ‘make big goals and climb that ladder with a million smaller ones.’ I live in Colorado Springs with my daughters, and two puppies!” -Dylan Montanio