Artist Statement

Art is a grounding, instinctive and inherited tool provided to me to explore and recreate my internal and external world. I have always been a natural artist but during medical challenges in my late twenties, drastic life changes, extreme stress and the loss of stability simultaneously escalated a need to release control of the uncontrollable. Departing more "practical" school endeavors, Art became my educational focus. I proudly and thankfully completed a BA in Art. Through art, I pivoted into my current mindset to do the best you can with what you have and to walk into the unpredictable and unknowable with confidence that everything will be ok. The most satisfying art to-date has been created without plan, allowing me to develop surprising and unique art pieces.

Because art has been more of an experience than a need to produce an end product, I have found success and relevance in joining others, sometimes mentoring and sometimes guiding, to simply express ourselves, allowing a time to decompress and focus on creation, problem solving, exploration, and skill building. Regularly practiced fine art mediums are painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, fabric art, and photography.

When I am not trying to develop an art program or finish a painting, I enjoy lighthearted time with my family and our two English Bulldogs hiking at a local park, BBQing in our back yard or becoming a pile of dogs on the couch to watch our favorite shows.

CERTIFICATIONS: Texas Education Agency (TEA) K-12 Art Teacher Certified, expires July 2028.

ART EXPERIENCE:
2018 Drawing teacher at Young Rembrandts, Georgia.
2019-2020 Art Teacher for a non profit art center, including for a grant funded program with the Salvation Army “HeArt of the Homeless”, Texas.
2020-2021 Executive Director, Interim for a nonprofit art center, Texas.
2021-2024 Levels 1-4, AP High school Art Teacher, Texas
2025 Tidewater Arts Outreach, Outreach Artist, Virginia
2025 James City County Parks & Recreation, Art Teacher, Virginia

OTHER EXPERIENCE: legal analyst, accounting, payroll tax filing (federal & state), retail management, Red Cross volunteer.