I've been drawing and writing as far back as I can remember. And based on stories and drawings and scribbles in other people's books around the house, I know I started creating long before I can remember. I have always loved books and art, and have spend my life intertwining the two.
Sticking with one thing never really worked well for me. Always vacillating between art and writing, I assumed that I wasn't a successful artist because I couldn't limit myself to one thing. I flipped constantly between painting, drawing, design, illustration, and then writing too.
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. I try to combine books with art as much as I can. Often it shows up in books I help others illustrate, in my own books I create, combining words and illustration in cards, and in abstract art. From 2009 - 2012 I focused on creating illustrated greeting cards, children's illustration, commissioned family illustrations and graphic design work; and in 2018 I began working with nature and wildlife art in small and large scale originals, and merchandise.
I believe art is a great communication tool that has the power to inspire and help others. I like to create works that allow the viewer to tap into that inner sense of belonging, reminding them that we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves, even if our eyes can't see it - be it family, our values, our interests, or sense of place, a cause or a mission, or even a new way of thinking.
Connection is key. Through my work, I help people gain a deeper understanding, appreciation and sense of responsibility for the world we live in, and the community of people and loved ones that surround us. We are the keepers of the other humans here, and the world we live in. I want all of my work to remind us of that.
Originally from the midwest, I studied fine art, graphic design and English at Kent State University, spent over 17 years in Boston, MA, and now live in Portland, OR.
You can also find my work and the work of many other amazing artists online and at the brick and mortal artist co-op Artistic Portland Gallery.
Sticking with one thing never really worked well for me. Always vacillating between art and writing, I assumed that I wasn't a successful artist because I couldn't limit myself to one thing. I flipped constantly between painting, drawing, design, illustration, and then writing too.
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. I try to combine books with art as much as I can. Often it shows up in books I help others illustrate, in my own books I create, combining words and illustration in cards, and in abstract art. From 2009 - 2012 I focused on creating illustrated greeting cards, children's illustration, commissioned family illustrations and graphic design work; and in 2018 I began working with nature and wildlife art in small and large scale originals, and merchandise.
I believe art is a great communication tool that has the power to inspire and help others. I like to create works that allow the viewer to tap into that inner sense of belonging, reminding them that we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves, even if our eyes can't see it - be it family, our values, our interests, or sense of place, a cause or a mission, or even a new way of thinking.
Connection is key. Through my work, I help people gain a deeper understanding, appreciation and sense of responsibility for the world we live in, and the community of people and loved ones that surround us. We are the keepers of the other humans here, and the world we live in. I want all of my work to remind us of that.
Originally from the midwest, I studied fine art, graphic design and English at Kent State University, spent over 17 years in Boston, MA, and now live in Portland, OR.
You can also find my work and the work of many other amazing artists online and at the brick and mortal artist co-op Artistic Portland Gallery.
RECENT ART EVENTS
2022 - "In Service of Civilization," H Gallery, Ventura, CA
2022 - "Expressions West," Coos Bay Art Museum, Coos Bay, OR
2022 - "In Service of Civilization," H Gallery, Ventura, CA
2022 - "Expressions West," Coos Bay Art Museum, Coos Bay, OR