ABOUT ME
I create colorful, intuitive abstract art rooted in expressing emotions and waking life imprints of my dreams. Working with my hands gives me a deep sense of purpose. I express myself by creating layered artwork using acrylic, gouache, ink, collage, yarn, and fabric. ​
It took me a long time to accept that I am an abstract artist whose work is driven by expressing emotions, and the vivid, lucid dreams I experience every night. I used to think that to be a good artist, you needed to master representational art in order to then move into abstract art, as this is a common credo taught in art school.
Much of my early work included representational objects, and I struggled with creating work that had sparks of joy because I found little enjoyment in the style of art or materials I was working with.
This internal struggle was my own creation as a result of these early teachings. If I couldn't get a facial feature or hand drawn just right, it would make me feel I was not trying hard enough to translate what I saw onto paper. Then I would abstract the area or the entire artwork out of pure frustration and I would immediately feel relief.
After nearly 10 years of not producing any artwork due to working in a demanding managerial position, I realized the void in my life by not being creative and I came back to my practice. But this time I am laser-focused in on the style, materials, and techniques I love to use and that bring me joy. My favorite materials are acrylic paint, gouache, ink, oil pastel, paper collage and yarn. I utilize all of these materials to create layered, intuitive artworks with abstract painting and ink techniques, collage, and crochet locker hook and latch hook techniques.
I work intuitively, which means that I never start a piece of art with a plan for how it will turn out. Using multiple forms of media to create my work allows me to build up diverse layers, textures and patterns. I often sand parts of the painting back between adding each layer, which creates delicious textures and depth in each piece. At some point in this process, I see the right balance of color, pattern and texture and that is when I know a piece is complete.
I have a Bachelors of Art in Fine Art from California Lutheran University. I also studied at the Oregon College of Art & Craft in a Post-Baccalaureate program. While my main focus was to continue my studies in painting and drawing, I was also able to take textile courses focused on weaving, dyeing and manipulating fabrics, and textile design.
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I currently live and work in Portland, Oregon.
