history

Do you ever look at the things around you and think about what they have been through?

I have had many moments in packing and unpacking boxes where I really take a look at the objects I am wrapping and unwrapping, placing and replacing, forgetting and remembering again and again.

In my history I have moved. A lot. I mean, seriously A LOT. The packing and unpacking of boxes stays with me.



My dad was in the air force so being a military family, we moved every couple of years.

I'm conflicted.

I was able to live all over the world and all over this country too and I am really grateful for that. I think this history has helped shape me as a person, as an artist, as someone who is truly comfortable with change which is really helpful in an ever-changing world and life. I have seen a lot, more than a lot, more than most people can dream of and I would never give it back.

I'm also sad sometimes. I'm sad I was never able to really put down roots. I'm sad for great friendships come and gone because distance and time proved too much. I'm sad to get the delicious flavor of something but to have the cake taken away from me before I've finished even once slice.

Oh, but the art...the art...it's such a plus. I have seen a lot of art.

Maybe it's why I love all things artistic so much?

My mom was great with me and my brother; she really helped us experience the various cultures we lived in by taking us to so many different places. She had a lot of time with us while my dad was working and she made the most of it, making sure we did as well.


I have seen Aborigine's dot painting.

I have seen beautiful dragons in Japanese Festivals.


I have been within fingertips reach of the great masterworks of our art world.

I have seen so much...


The art that exists within my packed up boxes and inside my heart is something else I would never give back.

This little snips from above are from my drawing board. I have had this drawing board since I was a freshman in college so its lifetime with me has been twelve years so far.


When I thought about this post I went searching for my drawing board...I couldn't find it anywhere until I remembered I had stashed it in our garage after we moved into our house. I had no idea just how much "history" existed on the board until I took it out to photograph. Pieces of paper, charcoal, ink, tape, paint and most likely many tears have washed over this board.

It's a beautiful part of both my art and personal history and I can't wait to add some more to the story.

imperfect

bits and pieces

I have a ton of scrap pieces of paper and canvas. I will trim the edges of my canvas after stretching and because I usually apply most paint to my paintings pre-stretch there are usually some interesting, beautiful, weird and random leftovers.

I typically keep these bits and pieces so I can re-use them later. You never know what creative inspiration might strike from a leftover bit of painted on paper...


Here are a few of them!


And check out my cute chair! on clearance...and the perfect color too.

hello spring

It is officially spring...although it still feels wintery today in Colorado...


in honor of the transition from winter to spring here are a few old pieces that represent what spring feels like to me.


I'll admit I prefer rainy gloomy weather (if I can't be on the beach) but I am ready for a new season and all of the colors and wonder that brings.

the process

A lot of times the process of creating paintings is almost as fun as seeing the finished product. With my style there is so much evolution as the paintings move, shift and eventually dry. There are times I wish I could have the same painting at each of its different stages. It's difficult to even capture with photographs because even seconds change a super wet painting. Here are some photos I have collected of different parts of my process. It always motivates and inspires me to see how much work goes into these abstract pieces. The beauty is in knowing where and when to stop. Sometimes I don't know when and I ruin it. Other times everything is perfect and it feels almost...magical.