UV: What were you thinking when you made this cover piece?
MB: I think I was somewhere in that odd space between sleep and wakefulness. I never know what is going to happen with a painting or how it's going to unfold. I may have an initial concept of what I want to do, but there is always so much surprise in the process of creating. Somewhere this face had burnished itself into my subconscious and landed in the painting.

UV: How often do you make work?
MB: It goes in cycles. I'm happiest if I can paint every day, but of course a busy schedule doesn't allow that luxury. When I am engrossed in a painting, it is almost as intense as a love affair. I can't abandon it for long, I rush to my studio to get back to it, I obsess over it and want to do very little else. Of course the converse is true as well. When the painting is done, my relationship ends and I forget about it.

UV: Tell us about your studio.
MB: I'm very lucky since it is in my house. That allows me both to completely immerse myself and multi-task when necessary. Besides the convenience, I love being able to make a total mess. I don't allow that anywhere else in the house.

UV: How does the Bay Area culture influence your work?
MB: This is such a dynamic and alive place. Sometimes just a walk out the door is stimulation enough. I also think that the art scene is developing increasingly so that we are no longer viewed as "that place" across from San Francisco.

UV: Is your art, your life as an artist compulsory?
MB: So much so that I can't imagine living without it. At a certain point it becomes as basic as fresh air and food. Of course the necessity becomes psychological as well; in the balance of things, creative expression is as important as exercise for good health.