My first thought when I start a new piece is not about capturing the image as it is, but more so about creating a mood and figuring out the aspects of how I am going to achieve a desired effect. The color and brightness that I choose bring dimension to the surface, drawing the viewer into that particular piece. I want my surface to be stimulating, engaging the viewer to look closely and have fun with the art. I am not afraid to use color. When I am working, I look for patterns and colors that might not necessarily “jibe” in the eyes of most people, but creative juxtaposition is what inspires me.

Many of my images are slices of life and are a result of my own past experiences that I connect with. I am drawn to using retro imagery for the fact that it represents a fleeting era of simplicity while also being humorous and slightly ironic. My process is mixed media using photos, collage materials and other fine art processes to achieve the desired effect and mood. Using these mediums affords me the freedom to experiment. When I work, I am constantly layering and adding various elements to my piece, building up textures and colors. I start with a drawing, and then decide how I want the work to feel but more often than not, the mood changes and I end up with a piece that is unexpected. This for me is what I enjoy. I feel blessed that I am able to create and express myself and it is a gift that I never take for granted.

“one eye sees, the other feels”—paul klee