/biography

Illinois

2007 Master of Arts, Communication & Training
          Governors State University, University Park, IL

Artist Awards:

2014 Honorable Mention    Explosive Impressions Juried Exhibition

2013 Second Place              All About Color Juried Exhibiton  

2009 Honorable Mention    Governors State University Students’ Exhibition

2007 Honorable Mention    Illiana Artists’ 11th Juried Regional Exhibition 

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Process:

Currently I intermix digital images, torn ripped paper, jewelry, stones, and other various items onto the canvas.  Exploring crackle and sculpture paints as a way of added texture to my art work. 

My predilection for abstract art is revealed in the preponderance of grids and fragmentation viewed in my artwork.  Both the digital and mixed-media effect invites the viewer (or critic) to observe or interpret the works, by offering infinite possibilities without limitations.  In my latest work, I am adding more realism and as such are using more photography in the art work.   

Influences: Artistically, I have always admired artists such as Henry Matisse and Chuck Close.  Towards the end of his life, Matisse couldn't paint anymore, so he developed his Cut-out Series as a way to express himself artistically. Chuck Close suffered a stroke, and instead of giving up on painting, he found a way to create art in spite of his physical disabilities caused by the stroke. Recently, I heard about the artist Phil Hansen, who gave the talk at the TED conference, entitled, 'Embracing the Shake."  Hansen developed a shake in his drawing hand, which limited his way of creating art, but opened his mind to think of art differently. He created different styles and mediums of art. This is what all these three artists have in common. When faced with adversity, each artist accepted their limitations and also embraced, adapted and enhanced their creativity.  They made their weakness their strength artistically.