“In the fifth grade, Blair Updike created her first painting — a horse. She did this while attending a summer art camp. Her first impression of this experience? “Frustrating,” Updike admits. She then recounts a phrase her teacher frequently said to her, though: “When you’re frustrated, it’s because you’re learning, and that makes it a positive experience.” Updike’s journey as an artist has encompassed much of this tension — the process of working hard while reaping the benefits of not only a finished product, but also unexpected lessons learned along the way.”

with PHOTOGRAPHY BY‭ ‬NAOMI LYNN VACARO