I paint to find my true self- the one buried under years of conditioning that taught me to abandon what was authentic and pure about me. My works are an act of self-empowerment- a reclaiming of a self-respect and self-acceptance that were unconsciously given away at an early age.
I am a representational, expressionistic painter with a focus on the figure. I view the subjects I paint as vessels that house emotions and concepts that are important to me. My work is influenced by East Asian philosophies of Taoism, Buddhism, and the concepts of Wabi Sabi (the beauty of imperfection), fragility, impermanence, and emptiness.
My training as a martial artist has taught me that true power lies in the ability to surrender completely to the moment, remain centered in my body and unattached to the outcome. This willingness to remain open, vulnerable, and empty in front of an opponent yields an outcome far greater than what my otherwise fearful mind and contracted body could create. As a painter, I try to approach each work with the same mindset. The blank canvas and self-critical mind are formidable opponents with whom I constantly spar.
I discovered a beauty and serenity in the process of painting where the judging mind is silenced by the pure act of putting paint to canvas. In this surrender, what comes through is a reflection. The canvas is my mirror. Emotions and beliefs that I otherwise would not have the courage to face are revealed to me with each brush stroke.
Once finished, each painting always asks me the same question, “Can you accept this reflection of yourself?” My answer doesn’t matter. What matters is that the question has been asked and explored through the process of painting.
Bio
I am a representational, expressionistic figure painter. My work is influenced by my interests in Asian philosophy, my 25+ year study of the martial arts, and my search for self-understanding and self-mastery through the pursuit of these arts.
I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in art from Vassar College in 1995. After graduating, I put down my brushes and tried to suppress my love for art in pursuit of a "real job". Despite doing what society told me would make me successful, I never lost my love for art and the artistic voice that I tried to silence only got louder and more indignant over the years. I tried to run away from this voice by pursuing other careers and shiny objects. I found solace and creative self-expression in my practice of the martial arts of Aikido and Tai Chi. But despite my accomplishments, I still felt unfulfilled.
In 2018, the artistic voice that was once a gentle plea became a scream. I could no longer ignore it. I surrendered to it by drawing again. This reignited the joy I felt as an undergraduate art student. I focused on strengthening my atrophied artistic muscles by teaching myself the Bargue drawing method. In 2020, I was accepted into The Compass Atelier, Master Artist program. I graduated in 2023 and am currently pursuing my dream of being a professional, full-time artist. A 25-year hiatus brought me back full circle to my first love. I vow to never leave again.
Recognitions and Accomplishments
Hill Center Galleries 2024 Regional Juried Exhibit- Finalist
Selected as a Featured Artist on Artsy Shark
Montgomery Art Association, Paint the Town- 2nd place winner for figures/portraits
Solo Exhibit- Signal Financial Credit Union- Washington, DC
