Confession: I stare at people, mostly women. I think people are so interesting and beautiful. Whereever I am, I catch myself staring. I also love sifting through old photographs while thrifting. I usually unearth some wildly humorous photos perfect for personal letters or cards, interesting compositions, or unforgettable faces that inspire untold stories and pictures.

It never occurred to me that my interest in people was odd. More so, that many people aren't entirely comfortable hanging a picture, drawn, painted, or photographed, of a stranger in their collection of artwork and prints. I've been told by someone, " Your work looks like they are actual people to me but I don't know them so it makes it weird to hang on my wall." Having heard many people comment similarly to this, I wonder, aren't all human subjects used for artwork "actual people"? Why are my actual people any different from the actual people that grace so many other portraits?

There are countless portraits of famous actors and actresses, iconic artists, historic figures, and mysterious lads and lasses captured by artists throughout history. For the most part, most of us do not personally know the subject or the artist, but they are certainly actual people. Yet we welcome the imagery into our homes, onto out walls, on cards, cups, and all things in between and it's not considered weird.

Must we know about the person in the portrait to like it? Do they have to be an icon? Does the person have to be someone we idealize? Could it be the mystery of not knowing the person in the portrait what intrigues us? Am I the only person who collects portraits of strangers where the subject and artist are unknown. Are the portraits I create different because I myself am an unknown artist (in comparison to the big wigs) with unknown subjects. It's a possibility, but I really have no idea.

It seems that for most people an iconic figure must in some way feel familiar, as though the subject were a friend or acquaintance, since we are so frequently exposed to them. I could see that making it much easier to welcome the imagery into your own intimate space. Would you prefer to hang a Marilyn or a Norma Jeane on your wall?

♥ Miss Bojambo

I am equipped with the following Lonely Planet guide books: Peru, Provence, and Tanzania because they are all places that I dream of visiting!

I began playing the flute in the 4th grade and went through a pan flute phase. When I think of Peru, I hear a pan flute playing music from the Andes. I never ended up with a pan flute, but would be more than delighted to hear live local music in Peru! I dream of exploring the Inca trail, soaking in the vibrant culture, and finding me some pan flute action!

I'll be honest, ever since my first French class in the 7th grade I have been madly in love with France and terrible at French. I imagine visiting Provence and eating exceptional food, drinking rich wines, and swimming in seas of lavender. I can't imagine a more romantic and moving place. I dream of indulging myself in the same vistas that inspired so many great artists, too many to name.

When I was a little girl I dreamed of living in Africa with the animals. I wanted to wake up one day and be a big, beautiful wild cat. I know that I am never going to magically transform into a wild cat, but going on safari in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania could pay tribute to my childhood desires and be my greatest adventure!

Where do you dream of traveling to?

♥ Miss Bojambo