Image: Self Portrait in charcoal
It seems that art has been a part of my life since day one. As soon as I could hold a pencil, I began drawing. I am self-taught, an outsider artist, continually exploring different mediums and ways of expression. At age 14 I began painting with water colors. At age 17 I discovered the magic of acrylic paint and canvas. I painted mostly semi-realistic abstractions of real objects and the human face. I completed several commissions and continued to paint for my own pleasure until I discovered [
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Image: Self Portrait in charcoal
It seems that art has been a part of my life since day one. As soon as I could hold a pencil, I began drawing. I am self-taught, an outsider artist, continually exploring different mediums and ways of expression. At age 14 I began painting with water colors. At age 17 I discovered the magic of acrylic paint and canvas. I painted mostly semi-realistic abstractions of real objects and the human face. I completed several commissions and continued to paint for my own pleasure until I discovered music.
For the next several years, I devoted myself entirely to learning the art of hand drumming and drum making. I have been blessed with several guides along the way but I am mostly self-taught in this area as well. The only conga/djembe teacher lived 2 hours away and there were no drum makers in the area to apprentice with so I learned by trial an error. My efforts have paid off as the instruments I make are of high quality and I have many happy customers.
More recently, a friend of mine who paints invited me over to her house to paint for fun so I dug my brushes out of storage. I heard the siren's call of paint sliding onto canvas, color producing shapes right before my eyes. I have fallen in love with the process once again.
My recent works have been mostly abstract. I like to invite people to see what they want in some of my paintings. Abstract paintings can spark the imagination of the viewer and in that moment of interaction between the piece (an extension of the artist) and the viewer, the piece becomes a mirror for the viewer who sees a glimpse of their own soul. It is a beautiful and intimate moment.
To me, art is a continual exploration of what was, what is and what could be in terms that touch the human heart and soul. Art not only records human experience but also shapes it in very profound ways.
My inspiration comes from many sources. The natural world, life experiences, inner journeys, stream of consciousness imaginings and the love of color and shape.
I invite you to browse the images I have posted and welcome any questions you may have.
As of this update (May 6, 2007), I have been working on a series of nudes and making prints of my other works. Please check in again soon to see my latest pieces.
Thank you for looking.
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