Statement

i find art in everything and everything finds its way into my art

I am a mixed media artist based in Northern California. I relish the combination of contemporary design with the unexpected utilization of found, recycled, and/or repurposed materials. I see my art as vibrant visual storytelling, rich with texture and detail, each composition combines elements inspired by everyday moments, executed with a whimsical touch. I love the puzzle of putting together pattern and color to depict my subjects, portraying body language and facial expressions that might make the viewer stop and ponder the situation or stir a memory of time spent with friends or family. My imagination and observation of the world around me are the driving force behind my creations.

Yes, it's paper! Each collage begins with a sketch that is created in Photoshop. I often use online resources for inspiration, looking through vintage photographs and other images to find photographs of everyday objects and people. I like to Frankenstein together several photos to depict my subjects and create a narrative for each piece and experiment with the composition and framing. Once I am happy with the sketch, it is drawn out in pencil on a wood panel in order to begin the process of creating the textured background. I work with joint compound and stencils to create a 3D effect. The joint compound is carefully applied avoiding areas that will later be collaged in order to adhere the papers on a smooth flat substrate. Backgrounds are painted in acrylic paint. I then choose from my collection of papers which includes books, printed craft papers, wrapping paper and posters to create the color pallet for the subjects of each piece. As a collector of art books, I have a soft spot for coffee table books that feature artwork by the Masters, especially the impressionist period. In this process I look for specific colors and patterns to help depict subtle shades of skin tones and clothing. Papers are then cut and placed with gel medium working background to foreground. After I am happy with the general composition and details, I varnish the piece then work with acrylic glazes to add highlights and shadows to bring the piece to life.