Do you have any pets? I don’t, but I volunteer at a horse rescue once a week in Wilton. I’ve done that for three years and it’s been a great. I get my fill without the responsibility.

How long have you lived in Newtown? I moved here last September.

Work: Right now I am semi-retired after losing my job of 10 years out of nowhere. I’d worked non-stop since age 16, with no gaps. It was the worst best thing to happen to me, though. I’m taking each day and moving forward, doing some consulting and some web design, but I’m even shifting away from that.

What do you enjoy doing with your free time? I enjoy reading, and spending time with friends. I like going to events, things that inspire me now. I also do a lot of abstract photography and some landscape photography.

What was the most recent book you’ve read? I just read Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. A childhood friend mentioned and then sent it to me, and it was one of the only books in recent years where I actually cried at the end of the book. It’s a great book. It’s a reminder of being kind and thoughtful, and it’s perfect timing in this world.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life? My mother. She was my biggest supporter and cheerleader. She always encouraged me to do art which, to my surprise when I got to art school, I found most people didn’t support their kids. I was really fortunate in that I’ve started two businesses in the course of my career, and she was always behind it. I also had a few teachers along the way who, had they not come into my life, I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have.

Do you have any unusual talents? I'm left-handed, and when I draw or paint, I naturally use my left hand. However, when I'm designing or drawing on a computer, I can't use a mouse with my left hand at all. So all of my digital art is created right-handed. If a right-handed person (or even another lefty) is sitting next to me at the dinner table, I can switch hands and use my silverware with either hand so we don't bump elbows.

Favorite color? Currently blues and lavenders.

Favorite thing to eat? My favorite meal is roast beef and Yorkshire pudding and trifle. My mother has British heritage and makes that for the holidays. I also like healthy food and do most of my cooking from scratch.

Favorite season? Fall. I love the cool air and the colors.

Favorite travel destination? Bermuda. The sand and the water was so beautiful.

What is your favorite thing about Newtown? I like the people, first of all; they’ve been super nice and welcoming. I also like the fact it has a calmer, more low-key vibe than where I was. It’s very charming.

Do you have a personal credo? I have two. The first is “I don’t strive for perfection, I strive for brilliance.” The other is, “You done ask, you don’t get — but ask nicely.”