How would you describe/define yourself?

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I suppose I would rather describe myself rather than define myself. I would say I am a free spirit that is starting to find a home and settle down; Bohemian and eclectic, definitely. I love every style, every color, and every medium for what it is without trying to change it and mold it into something it is not. You can see this in my home decor, in my clothing styles, and, of course, in my art.

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When and why did you decide to choose painting designing as a career? 

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I originally began looking at painting as a career in 2008. I started by selling my work on the sidewalks of Galveston, TX. That point of my career did not last - Hurricane Ike hit the Island that fall and restoring the city, especially where I sold my art (on the Strand), took a while. In the meantime, I had my son and put my art endeavors on hold. Fast forward to 2019, my son is pretty self sufficient and into his friends so what better time to begin my transition back into the art world.

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What according to you is a favorite part of being a Paint Artist?

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Getting lost in the painting. Painting is so meditative - it takes me on a journey, like a mini-vacation with every stroke of the brush. I’m very much a sensate and I bring that into my painting; I have to feel every stroke and feel that what I am seeing is ‘right.’ That little trip that I take when I paint refreshes me for the rest of the day.

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What inspires you as an Artist? How do you visualize your muses?

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Everything would be too broad of a term. And to say that life or nature inspires me is too vague. It goes back to being a sensate.

The way that light hits nature inspires me, the love of my family and other families inspire me, struggles inspire me, cultures inspire me. Every morning, I spend at least 30 minutes in silent prayer and many times it is then that I can see clearly what I want to paint, likewise my dreams may also tell me what I need to get down on paper.

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What’s your signature painting element? And why?

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I would say bright, vibrant, rich colors. They speak to me the most. It’s what I’m drawn to and so I paint what I like: vibrancy.

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The painting you created are best without any doubt, but who and which things were your inspiration while creating such painting?

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While I celebrate the vibrancy of life, death mystifies me. Time (life) on this planet is so short and it is beautiful, the Memento Mori paintings symbolize just that - life is fleeting, live as though today is your last. Plus I love skulls. Skulls of all varieties, they’re fascinating! Heads are also very sacred to me - heads contain our faces, our brains, thoughts, feelings, personalities. They’re something to be respected.

In coinciding with the theme of death are the paintings inspired by my grandfather. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. I grew up in a part of NW Indiana that was like Little Poland of Chicago. All of the families were large and close knit. I was at Grandma & Grandpa’s almost every day - they were a huge anchor in my life and when they passed away, I wanted to latch on to those memories. what better way to do that than paint them.

Finally, my trees. To me, nothing amazes me more than trees that are centuries old. How did they survive our destruction? The weather, the pests, it’s amazing. They’re amazing. And we keep cutting them down, which makes me so sad… if only more people can see what I see, maybe that will help stop the slaughter for the sake of progress

What’s the best piece of artistic advice you’ve heard? And do you follow it?

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The best piece of advice is paint for the sake of painting. Draw for the sake of drawing. I am lucky in that my art does not drive my income, but I’m also unlucky that I don’t have unlimited time to just do art in that respect. But having a solid income does let me focus only on painting what I want to paint and sharing that with others.

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As we all know job of a painter is very tough. So how do you keep your mental and physical health fit?

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One thing at a time. I make sure God is first, family second, work third. Like I said earlier, I spend at least 30 minutes every morning in prayer and then move on with my day. Usually painting is next - painting helps me with my mental fitness interestingly enough, I also carve out time at least 4-5 times a week to either run, do Zumba (I LOVE dancing), lift weights or yoga.

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What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their career and hoping to make it big as a Paint Artist? 

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Have a plan. Carve out goals, no matter how small, and work to achieve each goal. Once you make that goal, set your sights on another. That being said, you should have a monthly goal, yearly goal, and 5 year plan.

Also take a crash course in taxes… that’s really important!

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To whom would you like to give credits of your journey till now?

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God alone has given me this gift to share whether through my family, those I’ve encountered, or through instruction.

A huge thank you to Sfumato Art Gallery for giving me this opportunity to showcase my work.

I give credit to my grandparents and my parents. They were artists and inspired me with the way they saw the world.

A shout out to art teacher Ann Mabry for always encouraging me ‘keep creating!’

My drawing professor Suzanne Peterson for encouraging me to go public with my very first watercolor.

And last but not least, my husband Bill, son John, and my family who walks with me on this journey.

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Anything you wish to share or quote in your interview?

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Build others up. Look at each person as individuals created with love.

Rejoice always.Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

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