On August 8th, 2028 I received an email from Ellen DeGeneres wanting an interview from me. Little young me. I almost deleted the email, thinking it was spam. I’m so glad I opened up the email and read it. It turned out to be real.

The day of the interview is here. I am so nervous and excited all at the same time. I enter the room in my expensive and comfortable teal dress.

Ellen started the interview with. “How long have you been painting for?” I answered, “That is a tricky question for me. I started drawing in middle school and I went to college for art after 2007, but I didn’t really start painting my own style until about 2013.”

“Let’s get into why you are building this art community for women and women with brain health issues.” Ellen said.

“Well first of all I need to explain my history. I went catatonic in 2016 and 2020,” I started to explain. Then Ellen asked, ” What does catatonic mean to you?” It means your body is here and your mind is gone. For me it was like going blank and coming back was so scary. This is why I’m making this art community to help people with brain health issues and women in general.

“Have you ever painted, Ellen?” I asked with a burning desire to know the answer.

“Portia has made me paint a few times, but it is not my cup of tea.” Ellen said. “Tell me what you have painted, Alasia.” Ellen responded.

“I have painted landscapes, fairies, warriors, ladies, and abstracts. They are fun and give me a sense of healing.” I said.

“What do you hope to accomplish from your paintings?” Ellen asked. I said, “To have people see a world from a different perspective and sense of wonder.”

Ellen ended the interview with, “This is fabulous, it was great to have you.”