That's me at my first big craft show, back in 2012. And although my art has changed, grown, and deepened since then, my values and the reason behind why I do what I do hasn't changed at all...
I've been drawing and writing as far back as I can remember. And based on stories and scribbles in books around the house, I started long before my memory serves.
For nearly my whole life, I struggled with voice, and sticking to one medium. Sticking with one thing never really worked well for me. As a result, I assumed that I was not a successful artist because I could not limit myself to one thing. I flipped constantly between writing and art, and with art, I flipped between painting, drawing, design, pottery, and illustration.
It wasn't until recently that I decided that I didn't have to do just one thing. I could do them all. And when I did that, I was a lot happier.
Each artist has a process and that process is often built upon intent.
My watercolor work is typically nature-inspired and representational. My abstract work - in oils and acrylics - tends to be larger, and often incorporating elements of nature, and my illustrations are typically done in watercolor and pen and ink.
As an artist, my mission is not just to create visually stunning pieces, but to evoke a feeling of belonging within the viewer. I believe that art is a catalyst for feeling connected to ourselves, others, and the world around us. It can conjure new feelings, old memories, or sustain connection simply in its reminding us of those things that can escape us over linear time.
My goal has always been to create works that allow the viewer to tap into that inner sense of belonging, reminding us that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves, and always connected, even if our eyes can't see it. Be it family, our values, our interests, or sense of place. Connection is key.
Through establishing connection in my work via fine art and illustration, I hope to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world we live in, the community of people that surround us, and the loved ones we share, or once shared a life with.
Join me on this mission to create art that speaks to the soul - because everyone deserves to know that they belong.
For nearly my whole life, I struggled with voice, and sticking to one medium. Sticking with one thing never really worked well for me. As a result, I assumed that I was not a successful artist because I could not limit myself to one thing. I flipped constantly between writing and art, and with art, I flipped between painting, drawing, design, pottery, and illustration.
It wasn't until recently that I decided that I didn't have to do just one thing. I could do them all. And when I did that, I was a lot happier.
Each artist has a process and that process is often built upon intent.
My watercolor work is typically nature-inspired and representational. My abstract work - in oils and acrylics - tends to be larger, and often incorporating elements of nature, and my illustrations are typically done in watercolor and pen and ink.
As an artist, my mission is not just to create visually stunning pieces, but to evoke a feeling of belonging within the viewer. I believe that art is a catalyst for feeling connected to ourselves, others, and the world around us. It can conjure new feelings, old memories, or sustain connection simply in its reminding us of those things that can escape us over linear time.
My goal has always been to create works that allow the viewer to tap into that inner sense of belonging, reminding us that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves, and always connected, even if our eyes can't see it. Be it family, our values, our interests, or sense of place. Connection is key.
Through establishing connection in my work via fine art and illustration, I hope to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world we live in, the community of people that surround us, and the loved ones we share, or once shared a life with.
Join me on this mission to create art that speaks to the soul - because everyone deserves to know that they belong.