Many of us encountered Emily Dickinson in our adolescence -- and left her there, along with a lot of other high school English-class figures. In fact, Emily was the first poet I knew by name, and I re-read her often. I admire her artistic explorations, her sense of self and her bravery in searching out themes. As a painter, I can only hope to attain her level of individual expression. I believe that these paintings both stand alone and serve as translations. I was inspired when I learned that Emily referred to the act of writing poetry as her "painting" sessions.