Let’s think, for a moment, about romantic relationships (or painting). The most compelling aspect about having someone in your life, in my opinion, is that the other is available for you to travel upon—physically, emotionally, and intellectually. You’re allowed to touch everywhere, to inquire about everything. Permission is granted for you to go into all the rooms, all the cracks and nooks, all the dark corners.

That’s what a relationship (or painting) is—an invitation to explore another’s terrain.