My Background
My artistic journey started at a young age. Born into a creative family, I was raised by Ella, a quiet and demure mother. She loved to paint and filled our home with still-life oil paintings and in later years, scenes of nature, using the pointillism technique. Despite her quiet nature, she possessed incredible strength, tenacity and perseverance – and I was fortunate that she gifted me with these talents. The creative process provides treasured moments of reflection and meditation.
My work has been shown at the Off Track Gallery in Encinitas, California (San Dieguito Art Guild) www.sandieguitorartguild.com, the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League (COAL) www.northcoastalartgallery.com in Carlsbad, California. I am also a member of the Sargent Art Group (SAG), a group of artists whose mission is to support and encourage one another (www.sargetartgroup.org)
My Medium
I have experimented with diverse mediums including pottery, polymer clay, fibers, pastels, resins and most recently alcohol inks, wood and preserved moss. With an instinctual and untamed approach, I integrate natural materials by mixing diverse elements to add texture and depth for a pleasing visual and abstract expression that lingers long after viewing.
My Inspiration and Influence
My work draws upon my travels integrating a diverse blend of influences – from the early 20th Century French symbolist artist, Odilon Redon, and his dream-like paintings, to Henri Matisse, the French visual artist. The Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi also threads its way into my work. This is a philosophy that emphasizes the beauty of imperfection and acceptance. Drawn to the beauty of nature, I intuitively gravitate toward mediums that convey the blemishes of nature and I use an array of colors and organic shapes to evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony to convey the combustion of existence.