My Story
A Bit About Me…
I am an artist based in Sarasota Florida. I am an avid traveler and love adventure.
My inspiration comes from my travels and my exposure to different cultures. In my
spare time, I enjoy reading (which allows my mind to travel), horticulture, astrology, sewing, designing my own home and spending time with my kitties.
I wear many hats; I am a Painter, Printmaker, Furniture Restorer, Graphic Designer, Photographer and Interior Designer. I like to incorporate different materials and to blend different styles.
Originally from Rochester, New York, I have made my way to Sarasota, FL where I studied at Ringling College of Art and Design receiving a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree, with a minor in Photography and Business of Art and Design. After receiving my degree, I started working in Interior Design and teaching art at The Boys & Girls Club. Now I am happy to say, I work full time as an artist, painting, designing, and working with the amazing Barbara Gardner, owner of Collins Interiors, LLC based out of Longboat Key, Florida.
A little more about my Art...
Most of my artwork consists of paintings and prints of hybrid portraits of influential women in history and self-portraits with animals and nature reflecting the lore from various cultures.
In my artwork, the subjects are depicted as hybrids, a mixture of female characteristics with animal or flower forms. To create the work, I research the subject’s personality. I then match her personality with her animal, flower, or plant spirit. I often hide identifying features of well-known subjects so that the observer may connect with the image on a personal level.
The main materials I work with consist of acrylic paint on wood panel and fire. I first paint my image with different layers of paint and color. Once the painting is to my liking, I add the element of fire. Fire “plays with” the paint… melting it, pushing it around, and changing the color of the paint. The best thing about using flame is seeing how it oxidizes and the different colors of sheen that appear across the image. I feel that this technique gives each painting more depth and character. Each work is unique depending on the type of wood I use.