I was born a poor black child. Totally joking and if you ever saw the Steve Martin in the stupid movie "The Jerk," you got that joke. I was actually born a middle class Hispanic/Italian. My father was the experimental filmmaker, artist, and professor Paul J. Sharits. He died in 1993 at the young age of 50. Having an art professor as a dad meant I was constantly dragged to museums, galleries, operas, theaters, and symphonies. I guess it rubbed off. My educational background, besides art, is in political science, international security, and education. And, after huge student loans, I only use art. 

My first major bipolar episode was in 2001. Since then it has been a daily battle that I don't always win, but thanks to many who love and support me, I'm still here and feeling mentally healthier than I can remember. And, more creative than ever. I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about art. It's who I am.