Artist Statement
When people ask me “what style of painting do you do?” I break it down into three categories:
Life:
For years I have been drawn to the nocturnal side of my days. I capture on camera nightscapes of natural lighting, electric/neon lighting and fireworks displays. Often starting with a black gesso base, I brush layer over layer of paint to bring these night scenes forward with no real plan in mind. I have always been inspired by principles of color theory, an array of music genres and pop-culture.
Dreams:
Almost nightly I can recall my dreaming. Some are simple and short. Some are vibrant, dramatic and epic. I pull from these dreams and everyday experiences to explain not so much of what I am thinking but what I’ve seen in those dreams.
Commissions:
This is self explanatory. The subject matter is really up to the client but on occasion I am given complete artistic license. Either way, with each piece comes something totally new and exciting. Seeing the reaction from each client is always so gratifying.
Artist Background
At a very early age, my devoted parents had me enrolled in art classes with The Oreland Arts Center. By high school I continued with Saturday and full time summer courses in Fine Arts at Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia. It was there I knew I was going to be an artist for the rest of my life. I then attended Moore College in September of 1992. My major was to be oil painting, however, I changed my mind after taking a class in metalsmithing. I knew I could paint but I wanted another medium where I could possibly have a better chance at employment.
From graduation in 1996 to very recently I worked all over Philadelphia in jewelry as a fabricator, stone setter and repairwoman. Peppered throughout those years I continued lightly on commissioned paintings or teaching various art classes.
In April of 2023 I officially retired from the jewelry industry and set my sights on a home studio and painting full time. And now here we are!