As a painting, I am an unschooled artist. My art is best described as unique and worldly. My memories of travels and desire to learn more about the cultures of our world are the backbone of my paintings. I tend to reflect on the simple wholesome treasures in life we take for granted. As a self-taught artist, I have been painting for more than 15 years. I enjoy painting primarily miniatures less then 3" x 4".
I was born in Washington, D.C.. I remember always drawing and making up characters and symbols as a child. I attended private school for elementary and middle school. There were no programs to support the arts in that school. When I finally migrated to public school for high school, I managed to take at least one art program. It was a 3D clay class. I never took a painting or drawing course in high school or college. Although my degree concentration is a Bachelors of Fine Arts, it is in digital media. I have been working heavily with computers most of my adult life. My art background has afforded me many opportunities to provide my graphic design services.
I have always been an ambitious go getter since early in life. I was married at age 20. I managed to become the Director of a Group Health and Life Insurance Brokerage Company in Washington D.C. by the age of 24. We moved to Florida when I was 26 where I continued my career in group benefits with Universal Studios.
Florida is were I got my first real dabble in the world of fine art painting. Ken was working many hours establishing his career in themed environment design. Since we were new to the area and knew absolutely no one, I found solace sitting in front of the television and learning from Bob Ross. I would record the show and then play the show bit by bit while trying to recreate what he did with my own paint and brushes. Obviously, from my work, I did not take on the genre of Bob Ross. However, I fell in love with painting.
I spent the first few years painting for friends and family as a hobby. When they ran out of wall space.... I knew it was time for the next step. After deciding to stay home with my infant son in the late 90’s, I started selling my works online. I found my niche in miniature paintings. Although I have paint all sizes including wall murals, miniatures are by far my favorite.
In 2002 I was unfortunately stricken with illness. I had experienced severe pain throughout my entire body, numbness and swelling of my extremities and entire left side. Painting became an on and off again venture depending on how my body was reacting. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia which is a musculoskeletal disorder. Finally after years of experimenting, I have finally gotten control of the condition through a mostly natural and organic diet. At times I thought I would never paint again. I have exceeded all expectations as I am once again full force tackling my passion for art.
I have spent the last 4 to 5 years supporting my desire for creating art by working part time. I was an Art/Technology Teacher at Montverde Academy in Florida as well as I was graced with the ability to provide prop aquisition services and secure artifacts for such museums as; The Lincoln Library Museum, The Underground Railroad Museum, The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, The Cincinnati Reds Musem, Springs Preserve, and the National Crime and Punishment Museum.
I have a passion for working with children. They are the backbone of our future. I have worked with children all my life. Over the years I have come to realize the importance of recognizing that each child in this world is unique. They all learn at different paces and through different styles. Having two academically gifted children I quickly had to learn how to supplement. I also realized that in each classroom there are so many levels of learning that need to be met. Creativity can make a difference for children. Studies show that arts education raises test scores in other subject areas. I aim to find the right tools to make children enjoy creative learning opportunities. A smile on the face of a child who is enjoying learning is worth more then a thousand words!
|
|
