Since I was a child, I have been an artist. Beginning with a box of colorful crayons and a drawing of flowers, my second grade teacher noticed my interest in art and asked me to paint a picture on the class easel. Growing up, I remember sketching detailed drawings at my Grandma's desk with an assortment of paper, and a drawer full of pens and ebony lead pencils.
In high school, I was awarded an art scholarship to summer camp at the Allerton Art Academy in Monticello, Illinois. I studied art in colleges and universities in Illinois and California, (Associates of Arts Degree, and credits toward a B.A. in Fine Arts), but I consider myself as a self-taught artist.
I believe that creativity is a "Gift from God". Much can be learned/taught about art, but for most artists, I think creativity is driven by the inner spirit within.
(Photo July '06) As an artist, my mission is to serve as an annointed messenger of divine inspiration; to assist in spiritual growth and healing, by the use of creative meaning and symbolism.
The use of colors, textures, and unpredictible techniques create images that are unique and original. Many of the techniques used in the mixed media work and wall sculptures were developed by experimenting with unexpected and unconventional materials, creating many forms of textures. Subjects are sometimes portrayed as having peaceful yet threatening moods or environments. Colors range from bold and bright with many shades and tones, to muted and/or monochromatic. Brushstroke techniques are rarely ever the same. The developed use of glazes and special final finishes are also prominent in many of the art pieces.
I encourage my viewers to feel the textures, materials, layers, and various brushstrokes of paint on the canvas of my artwork as it adds to the visual experience.
It is natural for viewers to associate a specific style or category to any artist's work. However, my art does not reflect any particular conventional style. I find freedom in just creating art without limitations, boundaries, guidelines, expectations, or comparisons to past artists and styles. To address my art with a label such as post impressionistic, surrealistic, abstract, new age, religious, or even nonconformist for example is not an accurate statement, even though much of my work may have some of the same characteristics. As I like to say, "My work IS WHAT IT IS..."
Each painting is a new journey with a new meaning. It is all about going through life with struggles and strengths, and acknowledging the presence and power of the divine spirit within us.
"He teaches my hands to war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze." - Psalm 18:34
EXHIBITS:
A. E. BACKUS GALLERY
Ft. Pierce, Florida (2005, 2006)
VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART
Vero Beach, Florida (2005. 2006)
LAUGHING MOON
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Bridgeton, Maine
(Dec. 2005- July 2007)
INDIAN RIVER PHOTO CLUB - Award
Vero Beach, Florida (2006)
PLYMOUTH DOWNTOWN ART STROLL
Plymouth, MA (09/2006)
BODEGA BLUE
Historical Downtown
Vero Beach, FL
October 2006-present
BETHEL CREEK HOUSE EXHIBIT
Vero Beach, FL
11/06 - 12/06
SAFERIS ART GALLERY
3707 S.E. Frank Phillips Blvd.
Bartlesville, OK
12/06-5/08
VERO BEACH COMMUNITY CENTER
14th Street / Historical Downtown
Vero Beach, FL
March 2007-present
VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART
Vero Beach, FL
Aug.-Sept. 2007
CACOPHONY
Vero Beach, FL
Oct. -Nov. 2007
EDGE PILATES
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Nov. 2007-May 2008
PUBLICATIONS:
VERO BEACH MAGAZINE Issue: March 2006
Vero Beach, FL
PRESS JOURNAL
Vero Beach, FL (2006)
HOMETOWN NEWS
Vero Beach, FL (2006)
WICKED LOCAL
Plymouth, MA (09/2006)
COMMUNITY EXAMINER-ENTERPRISE
Bartlesville, Oklahoma (12/2006) Tulsa
WORKSHOPS:
VERO BEACH ART MUSEUM
Vero Beach, Florida (2005, 2006)
THE PAINTiNG EXPERIENCE
Bethesda, Maryland (2006)
THE STUDIO
Taylorville, Illinois (2006) [
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