Artist Statement & CV
ARTIST STATEMENT
Inspired by the world around me, I often blend shapes with the theme of nature into intricate and unique ink drawings and mixed media creations. It energizes me to hear people discussing the different things they see in my artwork. It reminds me of children pointing at clouds and the game they play where they say what they think the shape is. They may see a dragon while their friend may see something totally different and equally wonderful. For this reason, I often interweave subtle details into my art just to keep the viewer looking for more.
My camera and sketchpad are never far from my side. Though predominantly abstract, my artwork is greatly influenced by my love of nature and travel. I have been blessed to visit 33 of the states in the US and nearly a dozen countries around the world. The beautiful elements of nature I photograph in my travels often serve as the inspiration for my drawings and mixed media paintings.
Hiking and kayaking are also some of my favorite activities because they bring me closer to things I enjoy photographing in nature. For example, I love drawing dead trees—the more gnarly, the better! However, I can also say it wouldn’t be uncommon to see me stopped by the side of a random road taking a photo, just because an old twisted tree or a colorful field of wild flowers has caught my eye.
It is often right in these moments, when I first visualize a project in my mind. Sometimes it is a field of trees or flowers. Another day, it might be a single leaf or even the shape of something that sticks in my mind and later transforms into one of my abstract drawings.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Born 1970, Indianapolis, IN; Currently lives in Coatesville, IN
I create art in my studio in Coatesville and when at the Full Circle Nine gallery in the Circle City Industrial Complex in Indianapolis.
Education
2019 Show Me Your Drills, Hand Lettering Course, Online
2018 The Working Artist Masterclass, Online
2018 Lightroom Training, Cole's Classroom, Online
2015 Fundamentals of Photography, Indy Photo Coach
92-94 Fine Art, Studied under Artist Kay Clay, Indianapolis, IN
84-87 Fine Art & Ceramics, Studied under Artist Kay Clay, Indianapolis, IN
Solo & Feature Exhibitions
2019 Monthly Feature Artist, Full Circle Nine Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
2018 Black, White & Spring (Solo), Mass Ave Wine, Indianapolis, IN
2018 Black, White & Spring (Solo), 10 Johnson Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
2018 Black, White & Spring (Feature), Speedway Centre for the Arts, Speedway, IN
2011 Monthly Feature Artist, The Art Bank Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
2010 Monthly Feature Artist, The Art Bank Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
Group Exhibitions
17-20 A New Leaf Flowers, Gifts & More, Gas City, IN
2019 Member Artist, Full Circle Nine Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
2019 State of Indiana, State Fair, Indianapolis, IN
2016 Friends Art Show, Frankfort Community Public Library, Frankfort, IN
2016 Primary Colours, BRVA Halloween Show, Broad Ripple, IN
2016 Speedway Centre for the Arts, Speedway, IN
2016 Turning Over A New Leaf, Flower Shop and Gallery, Gas City, IN
2016 Wabash Brewing Taproom & Brewery, Indianapolis, IN
2016 Plainfield Public Library Arts Gala, Plainfield, IN
2012 Gallery at Easter Seals Crossroads, Indianapolis, IN
2010 Soli Deo Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
2010 Art Salon!, exhibition and fundraiser, Indianapolis, IN
2010 Oranje Indy, Indianapolis, IN
09-11 The Art Bank Gallery, Indianapolis, IN. (Feat. artist, Sept. 2010 & Aug. 2011)
2009 Soli Deo Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
2009 Oranje Indy, Indianapolis, IN
Collections
Works held in many private collections in the United States and Germany.
Honors and Awards
2019 Honorable Mention, Indiana State Fair, Indianapolis
2008 1st Place Photography, Lions Club International
1988 Portfolio Winner, LS Ayres Scholastic Competition, Indianapolis
1988 500 Festival of the Arts, Indianapolis
1987 500 Festival of the Arts, Indianapolis
1987 Gold Key Finalist, LS Ayres Scholastic Competition, Indianapolis
1986 500 Festival of the Arts, Indianapolis
1985 500 Festival of the Arts, Indianapolis
Bibliography
2016 The Sunrise. 2012. Private, Florida. Exploring Life in English. Vol. 2. Brazil: Amadeu Marques
& Ana Carolina Cardoso, 2016. N. pag. Print and Digital.
2016 Art Beat on City360 TV, https://vimeo.com/14413393.
2009 Leaves. Reed, Andy: “Hahuulhi”, Branches Magazine, vol. 22, 2009. No. 2, May - June,
2009, p. 18
Memberships
2019 Full Circle Nine (member artist, volunteeer welcome committee)
2016 Speedway Centre for the Arts (member, volunteer, teacher)
2016 Artist Business Networking
2016 KelbyOne, photography and Photoshop for creative professionals
2016 Skillshare, continuing education in a variety creative genre
2016 Indianapolis Downtown Artist & Dealers Association
12-13 Hendricks County Arts Council
09-12 Indianapolis Downtown Artist & Dealers Association