About
When asking who am I or where am I going, I find the answers within painting. People have always been my passion. The individual is what interests me and why the figure remains the focus of my art—the intricate play of light on skin or the singular curve of a woman’s hip bone. The understanding of a smile, the candid moment of excitement or the look of calm contemplation. These little moments of human beauty make me know I will never struggle for new inspiration.
Although much of my work has been and continues to be figurative, the style and method has changed over the years. After completing my BFA, an abstract style moving towards minimalism began drawing my attention. In forfeiting detail and reining focus back to black and white tones I could explore how light touches the skin and the subtle shapes created by musculature. Continuing this vein, my work progressed farther from the fact of human shape and became a study in curvature and contrast.
I have sought more technical and traditional training methods to enhance my understanding of materials and technique. Through study at The Atelier in Minneapolis, my focus has been directed on the truth of form and mastering oil painting as a medium. Only through this renewal of study and the will to strive for strength in painting do I feel my work will continue to reach for an audience. I now paint full time in my studio in Northeast Minneapolis.
Selected Shows
2022 The Atelier; Minneapolis, MN – “Student Exhibition”
2021 The Atelier; Minneapolis, MN – “Student Exhibition”
2019 The Atelier; Minneapolis, MN – “Student Exhibition”
2019 Russell Exhibition Center; Detroit MI – “Dirty Show”
2018 St. Louis Artist Guild; St. Louis, MO – “Clearly Human”
2018 2720 Cherokee; St. Louis, MO – “Wonderland”
2017 Soulard Art Gallery; St. Louis, MO - “Living Color: A Watercolor Exhibit”
2017 The Ready Room; St. Louis, MO - “City of Night STL”
2017 Framations Art Gallery; St. Louis, MO - “Presence II”
2016 Soulard Art Gallery; St. Louis, MO - “Serendipity”
2016 Central Print; St. Louis, MO - “City of Night STL”
2010 - 2018 Koken Art Factory; St. Louis, MO - “Naughty Gras 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11”
2012 Plush; St. Louis, MO - “Art Attack” - KDHX
2012 2720 Cherokee; St. Louis, MO - “Shuffle - UMSL Senior Show” - Curated Show
Education
The Atelier Studio Program of Fine Art
Minneapolis, Minnesota
May 2022
Bachelors of Fine Arts in Painting - Minor in Art History
University of Missouri St. Louis & Pierre Laclede Honors College
Summa Cum Laude 3.83/4.00
May 2012
Grants & Awards
2019 Oil Painters of America – The Shirl Smithson Memorial Scholarship
2014 Regional Arts Commission – Internship
2010 Hellenic Government-Karakas Foundation Scholarship
2009 Pierre Laclede Honors College Grant
2009 - 2011 Pierre Laclede Honors College Scholarship
teaching experience
2022 Color Study - The Atelier Studio Program of Fine Arts
2022 Basic Drawing & Painting - The Atelier Studio Program of Fine Arts