My Story
I was born in Bronxville, New York and before I was even a year old my brother and I moved with our parents to Europe. We settled in Paris and spent the summer months on the island of Ibiza till I was 8 years old. We moved back to the States and settled in Darien, Connecticut. Having lived in Europe those few years changed the way I saw the world. My heart and mind were forever open to diversity, and culture. I always gravitated towards the Mediterranean aesthetic.
Coming from an art rich background, I was fortunate to have creative parents who recognized my talents at an early age and encouraged me to pursue my passion. I received a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art. After graduating in 1995, I continued my painting practice and began to exhibit my work at galleries and art spaces on the East Coast.
In 1997, I moved to Sonoma, California and continued my painting practice and also began working in art administration and teaching at the Sonoma Community Center. I began teaching art classes to young and old and became the Fine Arts Director, hiring nationally known artists to teach workshops and guest lectures. During this time I found my love of teaching. The most inspired time teaching was encouraging artist and non-artista alike to find the fun in letting go, unplugging and tapping into their creative selves. I now teach workshops in my home studio as well as out in beautiful locations around the Bay Area. I have solo & group shows throughout the year as well as permanent venues that have my work. Current spots to see my work in person:
My paintings are in private and public collections around the country. The newest addition to my portfolio is a public art project for The City of Santa Rosa, Out and About project. 4 large scale mural on pillars flanking East and West side of Fourth Street.
How I Create
I have been a painter for over 25 years. My subject matter has changed, my process has changed but the one constant in my work is my love of contrast, in color, texture and pattern.
My current work has been greatly influenced by my awe of the Northern California landscape around me. The rolling hills of the wine country, the fog softening the lines of the horizon and creating whispers of brush strokes across the valleys. I paint the memories of place. Inspired by nuisances in contrast. Whether I am looking at architecture or the patterns in interior spaces, it’s often the over looked moments that cause me to pause.
I begin my landscape paintings with an abstract mindset beginning with an intention; a color palette or a mood. Laying down dark color tones and quick brushstrokes. It's a playful time for me and warming up time to experiment and be in the moment. I allow the paint to tell me where to go. Allowing drips, scraping and scratching to create texture and patterns that sometimes only accidents can create. The process is an ebb and flow between adding and subtracting. Always being aware of keeping the energy of the brushstrokes and the energy of the painting moving.
On the days that I'm not working in my studio, I’m inspiring others to find their creative side. Teaching the art of fearless creativity, unplugging, and letting go.
