How long have you been making art?
I’ve been drawing since childhood. I began taking my work more seriously for the past ten years.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in being in the studio. I find working in the makes me want to work in the studio. It is a bit circular. But so is my art.
Artistic accomplishments you’re proud of?
I am proud of having the courage to go to graduate school.
Where have you shown?
I have shown all over Oregon. I recently had a solo show in Washington and I have been invited to exhibit at the Coos Art Museum in December 2020.
Have your studied art or had training?
I received my BFA from the University of Oregon and my MFA from PNCA in Portland, Oregon. I have been mentored by some really great artists including Clint Brown, Michael Lazarus, Laura Vandenburgh. Please describe your workspace or studio. I have an at-home studio space. The space is about 500 sqft with high ceilings. This space allows me to create big work.
What’s your favorite place to work away from your studio?
Wine Lab. I like to meet up with friends and drink and draw.
Why make art?
I create art because it is the best way for me to communicate my fears, my wants, my hopes. When I don’t create work, I feel angsty and lonely.
Do you have a routine when you’re working?
I try and stick with a daily routine. But, I also have to work part-time, so I have to be flexible. I make a point of setting a routine once in the studio, I look over the previous days work, check my journal to see what I was planning next. I turn off the phone and focus on my work.
What are your strategies to get un-stuck creatively?
If I feel stuck, which is rare, I read a book, listen to an audiobook, take a walk. I usually get unstuck right away.
What are your tips for someone who wants to make art?
Make art. Look at art. Go to museums whenever you travel. Go to local galleries. Go on city-sponsored art walks. Read about artists. Talk to other artists.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by Gustav Klimt, Sonia Delaunay, Sandro Botticelli, Fra Lippi, Michelangelo, Kara Walker, Lisa Yuskavage, Cindy Sherman, really too many to name. I find inspiration in lots of work created by all kinds of artists.
What kinds of mediums would you love to try?
Clay.
What’s a piece of art you’ve seen/experienced that’s had a lasting impact on you? When and where did you see it?
I was in the Uffizi in Florence in 2002 and I overwhelmed by Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Fra Lippi’s Madonna and Child. I cried when I looked at these paintings.
How did you get connected with Moss Hollow Gallery?
I met John Holdway while working at the University of Oregon. I was working with Michelle in Financial Aid and I found out that John was a full time artist and I was really jealous! John inspired me to take my work more seriously and to learn how to have a healthy studio practice.
What are the media you use in your work?
I paint and I draw. I use oil, acrylic, watercolor, pen and ink, graphite, charcoal. Right now I’m really into large charcoal drawings.
Is there something exciting that you’re working on currently?
I am really excited about my new work. I am creating large pen and ink drawings and I’m also working on collage. All the work is figurative and based on isolation, which is relevant during this time of Covid-19.
What can followers look for from you in the future?
I have all new work will be at the Coos Art Museum in Coos Bay, Oregon in December 2020.
How can our followers connect with you?
I have a website. I’m on Instagram and have a FB page.
What are your social media handles?
Do you listen to anything while you work?
Yes! I typically listen to audiobooks and podcasts. I love a good dystopian story.
What beverage do you need to start your day?
Coffee.
What would be your superpower if you could choose any one?
Mind Control
What would be your superhero name?
Huntress Skyfire
What did you want to be when you grew up when you were eight?
The President of the United States of America. I thought the White House was the pretty house in the country.
Favorite place in the world?
Paris
Favorite place in Eugene?
My house.
Your best vacation?
France
Your dream vacation
Greece
Do you tend to live in the past, present or future?
Future
If you could design and build a dwelling or a studio what would it be like?
A Disney Cottage
If you could visit one time period, when and why?
1920s Paris – the fashion, the art!
If you could have a conversation with one person, living or dead, who would it be?
Lee Krasner.
If you could be a character in a movie or book who would you be?
Ripley (Alien, etc).
If you could have one talent or ability, what would it be?
Be able to eat gluten. Food allergies are awful!
Give the first word or phrase that comes to mind with each word or phrase below:
Moss Hollow- gallery. community. fun.
Dessert – dry
Oregon- home
Art- good
Home- safe
Rain- good
Sun- warm
Hike- fun
Community-needed
Partner- in crime
Peace- needed
Love- Christ
Solitude- peaceful
Vacation- jam-packed
