I recently came across a video about songs turning 30 this year, and I couldn’t believe it. It got me thinking… what was I doing 30 years ago?

Oh right. I was smack dab in the middle of a 2½-year prison sentence.

Okay, it wasn’t exactly a prison, just a school far away in the California mountains for “bad kids.” If anyone from my NJ high school ever wondered why I suddenly disappeared halfway through sophomore year, that’s why. And if anyone from college has ever thought, where did this crazy artist come from and why is she so nuts? Well… I had just gotten out of prison. I mean a cult. I mean reform school.

I remember my first day there vividly. I knew I was in deep s**t when I asked my dorm head, “Okay, so what are the rules here?” She smiled and said, “We don’t have rules. We have agreements.” 😳

I’ll never forget that moment. I was screwed, and I knew it.

That said, no matter how crazy and culty the place was, I met some of the best people of my life there. I felt so much love for so many different people from all over.

My aunt says that school saved my life. I don’t know about that. But I do know that I fell deeply in love with art during those years.

We had to go through these intense overnight emotional growth workshops, and I used to make big signs for when they ended…sort of welcoming people back after whatever wild experience they’d just gone through. Making those signs got me out of cleaning duties and work assignments (a couple photos included below). I was alone, content, and so, so peaceful. I never wanted to leave the art room.

My obsession with art began in that school, apparently 30 years ago.

I don’t know if the school saved my life, but I’m pretty sure ART did, and continues to do so every day.

I miss all of you reform school hoodlums.

Happy 30th Anniversary! ❤️