I'd like to say that I appreciate Mark Foster of FosterThePeople because he is a musical genius and I thoroughly enjoy his songs and think his dancing onstage is quite frivolous–a real hilarious treat to watch. His acoustic voice is also harrowingly deep and amazing.
My influences cannot be specified into a few people. I'm thankful for every creative joe out there who create those DIY tutorials on blogs/youtube. Thank you for those, they are awesome.

I am thankful for all the great (and largely unsung) musicians, artists, actors and writers that I have had the pleasure of working with over the last 13 years while here in LA. Being in this environment has led to fulfillment of some long held goals/dreams and has inspired a new set of creative priorities. Give thanks, indeed!

Gary Grant and Katherine Hepburn tripping over each other, jane austin leaving the party in tears,Rita
Hayworth driving men mad…then i grew up and though i best concentrate on landscapes

Mary Petrie Lowen just said on Facebook: I am thankful to Vincent Van Gogh. I cannot look at his paintings without being moved. But I must add that I am thankful for every teacher, parent, sibling, or friend who has supported and nurtured an artist. I do not think the world would have Vincents if it did not also have Theos.

I am forever grateful for my Mom. I would not be the artist, woman or human being if it wasn't for her. Every single day when I was growing up, she told me she loved me and was proud of me. Even when I messed up, or was mad at her for some reason, she found it within herself to give me love. She made me finish every project I started, even when I was very young. At 7 years old, I was interested in Baton twirling, she made me finish the summer course, regardless of my wanting to quit. She was front row at every dance recital and competition I was in, no matter where or when it was. She constantly reminded me that I could do anything I wanted with my life. I could go on and on about how she helped me grow into the person I am today. She gave me the inherent strength, perseverance and confidence to create and follow my dreams. She was truly a major part in creating me! Thank you so much Mom!

I'm forever thankful to my third grade teacher, Rhoda Brauner, who saw the creative fire simmering behind the
ordinary looking kid in chubby flesh with a face framed in thick glasses. She encouraged me to write, write, write and said she thought I'd become a writer one day. And here I am, Rhoda Brauner, rebirthed as Rozthepoet. I thank her and all the great teachers who can see beyond the rigid confines of a school curriculum and provide a place for a creative spirit to find passion in a life. And I thank Jack Grapes with whom I've worked so mnay years for encouraging me to write that book of poetry. It will be out soon and this poet, still chubby and still wearing glasses, can say to the world, I am no longer ordinary! Ah, mustn't forget the book which blew me to high fly, Ulysees. I read it in college and was never the same after realizing what a person could do with words, build a world, move a mountain, soar over a rainblow to new galaxies..

First and always my mother and familia, who loved and taught me love, respect and supported me in all my journeys. Joe Rosenberg taught me to see and make art differently gave me a push and exposed me to the world, a far bigger world than I ever imagined I could be a part of. My partner Ellen Lauren for constantly me reminding me by her own work, that art matters, that the working of it on it is hard and must be worth it. And i give thanks to fate, the world and life for allowing me to do work that I love(mostly) and be able to survive (mostly) doing it.
And hey, thank you for reading this.

I am grateful for so many things. I am blessed with a beautiful, big crazy and loving family and Mom is still with us… I am blessed and thankful for my artistic family, the Latino Theater Company, Jose Luis Valenzuela, Sal Lopez, Lupe Ontiveros (may she be happy and partying in the beyond), Lucy Rodriguez, Geoffrey Rivas. We have worked together for 27 years (longer than most marriages) and we have grown as theater makers and as human beings. Their passion, commitment and artistry is what motivates my work. There is no cynicism, only optimism, hope and a belief in a better world.

Great day of being outdoor and sharing the company of a wonderful new friend. Creatively, I have to give props to Wes Anderson today, as I am indeed thankful for his mastery in providing films that speak to me in so many ways. As I am watching Moonrise Kingdom, I realize that his films never disappoint, always provide a beautifully painted canvas, and leave me wanting to be more visually creative. There are certainly so many more things to be thankful for creatively, but Wes has helped make this a fine day indeed.

This is a thought provoking question, and not one that is quickly answered! I am grateful for many things…
But in short, I am grateful to be a practicing artist. Being an artist is really tough these days, and I don't take it for granted.
I am grateful for my family's support of my art career. They are my biggest fans, critics and supporters. I am also grateful for the important connections I have made online and off, including you Adam.
It is fun to see Lori's art, I look forward to seeing more someday…

I must thank: Cosmo Morgan, a lean and ancient silver haired gentleman who was first acting teacher when I was 10. He picked me out of an audience at his childrens theatre produciton and i went to him fro weekly private classes for many years. thru his careful coaching, introduced me to the rigor of preparing for a performance. And My dear and dynamic drama teacher at Hollywood High was John Ingle who recently passes away. He inspired me with his booming voice and unabashed passion for all things theatrical. And my mentor Robert Alexander at Livivng Stage in Washington, DC. He allowed me to truly integrate my social and political consciousness with being an artist. No excuses, no compromises. I carry his inspiration deep inside me. I hope all of these artist/souls are watching over me from some lively creative place and I hope I have made them proud!

I've had the great fortune and privilege of moving among artists all of my life. My parents are actors, grandparents too, all artists going back six generations. I remain hopelessly addicted to the company of artists. The mere pursuit of it as worthy of a life's work, devoted and hopeful, sleeves rolled up, not for the faint of heart or over-dainty, moves me. I can honestly say it's hard to rank creative influences since I'm so succeptible, and I don't mean to be flip, but I have been inspired by anyone I've ever read or worked with, or as John Patrick Shanley said once in his Oscar acceptance speech (I'm paraphrasing) "I'd like to thank anyone I've ever kissed or hit." So that goes for me too. Art that is impassioned, & that moves me has made all the difference in my life. It happens again & again, saving my life, even sanctifying it. The greatest gift that my own creative work has given me is the duty to pay attention—-close observation is both an act of deep humanity as well as one that is deeply humanizing–the benefit goes both ways is what I'm saying & I'm so thankful every day I get to do it.