i create strange surreal pieces of art, because I myself am odd. I was raised by a“ flower child” and a Vietnam Veteran, in the suburbs of New Jersey during the 80s. I always aspired to be an artist and so I began drawing on every surface as soon as I could hold a crayon. Whenever I had to be confined to a car, a chair, or sit still for any reason, I occupied my time by creating art. My imagination was constantly running wild. I was also so full of energy, I’ ve always struggled to sit still, that is, unless I am creating. I was diagnosed with ADHD as a teen, and my therapist explained that art was likely the reason I went undiagnosed for so long. Creating art has always been an outlet for me, as much as it is a coping mechanism, so I consider myself a cathartic visionary artist.
All of my paintings are emotional pieces and are reflections of my own experiences, sometimes hidden behind a colorful veil of symbolism. You’ ll notice women are the main subject of most of my work, because I subconsciously put myself into each piece. When I sit down to create a piece of art, I listen to music to set the tone. My music preferences vary greatly depending on my mood. I will listen to anything from Tool, The Beatles, Tom Petty, Rob Zombie, David Bowie, Queen, Melanie Martinez, and Lady Gaga just to name a few. I feel that music helps shape the piece of art I create, and it is an important part of the ritual I have developed when creating in my studio.
Inspiration strikes all day long, no matter what I am doing. I have a notebook that I write ideas and sketch in, whenever I am unable to be in my studio painting. When I need an idea, I will look back in my sketchbook and run through what I’ ve written, or quickly sketched out. My ideas evolve from there, taking on a life of their own.
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ART women