Where did you grow up, and what was it like to grow up there?

I spent my childhood in a few different places around the country- Wyoming, the U.P. of Michigan, and Southern Arizona. Vastly different places, yet similar in terms of abundant wilderness. Spending much of my time outdoors, my art was definitely influenced by the stillness and interconnectedness that the landscape taught me. 

When did you first discover your love for art?

Very early on. As a young child I painted and drew, like most children, from there it continued and never stopped. Curiosity lead to different mediums and evolving practice and commitment. I got serious about it in high school and knew I would pursue an art career. 

Tell me about your educational background. Did you study art in college?

I received my BFA after high school in the Seattle area, focusing on traditional painting methods. I continued as a working artist, living in Wyoming, for the following decade or so. I recently went back to school for graphic design and work full time as an illustrator and creative designer. 

How has your art style evolved since you were young?

I started out studying a lot of still lifes, figures, portraits, and landscapes. Throughout the practice of observation I learned the traditional disciplines of layering, line, and form. Over time my style has grown into more gestural, loose, bold, less loyal to the representation and more emotionally free. My subjects are still the outer world, yet my perspective has shifted to inner world. 

What materials do you use for your pieces, mainly?

Oil all the way. I love the rich, saturated pigment and range of viscosity. I usually do underpaintings with high-flow acrylics and/or tinted gesso to start, then layer oil and sometimes spray paint here and there.

What kinds of techniques do you use to achieve your current aesthetic?

I tend to use big, bold brushwork that brings a lot of visible energy to the pieces. I work in layers and sections, often scribble with the brush, then switch to large soft sweeping motions. This builds tension and separation, like in a landscape. I work intuitively with color absorbing and reacting to what I see around me. I lean into spontaneity and instinct when I work, not generally having a plan to start and let the materials and mood guide the piece.

Who/what are your inspirations?

Some of my current favorite painters are Joan Mitchell, Sara Winfield, Holly Terry, and Holly Osborne. And of course being down here in the Land of Enchantment is endlessly inspiring. 

What are your feelings surrounding being part of Carnelian Art Gallery's show thus far?

There is always a moment of terror for me before openings! The intensity of raw exposure  and vulnerability feels scary, but at the end of the night my work seemed well received and I felt a lot of love and support. Plus it’s always rewarding to see the final work presented in such a professional setting.