Brief Author Bio:

My name is Carla M. Swinke. I was born in Joliet, IL in January 1978. I am a strong willed Capricorn. I enjoy many different genres of music that ranges from The Doors to Beethoven. I am a self-taught artist with no formal training. One day I picked up a paint brush and began my journey. It felt natural to me and I have learn a lot hands on throughout the years with much more still to always learn. I began writing poetry around the age of 13. I have since been dabbling in short stories, prose, erotica, potential novels, as well as potential screenplays. I am an acrylic and mix media artist with no set style. One of my influences in life is Bruce Lee. The basis of Jeet Kun Do is "no set style". Bruce took different aspects of every martial art and incorporated into his fighting. I follow this same philosophy in my art and writing.

"Jeet Kune Do favors formlessness so that it can assume all forms and since Jeet Kune Do has no style, it can fit in with all styles. As a result, Jeet Kune Do utilizes all ways and is bound by none and, likewise, uses any techniques which serve its end." ~Bruce Lee

Creativity is my vice. My creativity is a place I can get away from the hells of reality and really BREATHE! When reality sets back in, I smile, because I know I always have a place to get away to.

I try not to compromise myself by allowing others to dictate to me what I should or should not write or paint. If it stirs any emotion, even if its anger, I know I have brought some of "my world" into reality for a reason. It would have then made its journey with a purpose in mind. My feelings are the only dictator allowed in my kingdom.

Many people and events in my life have influenced my painting. Frida Kahlo is one of favorite artists. Picasso, Botticelli, Pollock, Goya, Van Gogh, Modigliani, Matisse are just a few other influences and artists I enjoy. All Artists to me are some type of influence. I love to learn about new artists and explore the masters!

True beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My idea of beauty maybe much different than yours but I hope as artists and creative people we try our best to keep open minds. It doesn’t matter if you are an artist, writer, musician, dancer, filmmaker or just a creative being; keep being inspired and inspiring.

"Moving Forward"
By: Carla M. Swinke
The world is moving all around me.
A whirlwind of non-stop movement.
Yet I feel as if I am standing still
although I am very much apart of the world's whirlwind each day.
However, I do not feel apart of the world itself at all.
Demanding my constant attention the world does not perceive me it just receives me.
Not all of me, only pieces of my soul that the world can handle.
Shifting shapes each second that fits inside the ideal need of the moment.
Changing as time drags me along.
No time taken out to notice.
Wasted time on so much thought of the non-realistic.
Thoughts need to spring forth action and reaction instead of consuming time on nothing.
Life needs to move forward with upward passion.
I refuse the downward slide.
I want forward progress.
Never want to go back to the mistakes and troubles in the past.
I must reign over my fears and brush them off.
Let nothing hold me back!