On a recent trip home I rediscovered my high school art portfolio.

Taking ceramics for four years in high school was a gift. I’d spend a minimum of 15 hours each week in the studio throwing clay on the wheel, sculpting human figures, and designing dresses out of recycled materials.

I discovered the meaning of self expression, what it felt like to love something from deep inside my core, and how to stick through tough projects until completion.

I didn’t know it at the time, but the lessons I learned in my ceramics class would greatly impact my future.

Today I frequently combine art with my other interest, technology — whether it be art hacks (like Stef Cohen did at Bitcamp), selling my crafts, or designing visual experiences.

Looking back, I didn’t just “learn art” — I learned to keep passion (read: obsession), creativity and play in whatever it is that I do.