Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and your development as an artist?
A: I consider myself a lifelong artist, but I didn’t become actively involved in the local community until 2020. My analog collage practice back then was particularly prolific and over time, that practice evolved into digital work, painting, and larger scale murals. I do think collage informed the way I play with color and convey emotional tone in my paintings now. In the last few years, I’ve moved away from collage and fully embraced acrylic painting, which has opened up a lot for me in terms of scale, atmosphere, and how art can impact the overall vibe of a space.
Q: You’ve done personal-sized work and mural-sized work. Do you prefer one to the other?
A: I actually had the biggest craving to do another large scale project a couple months so I decided to redo one of my bathrooms. As much as I love doing murals, it’s tough on the body. All that reaching, bending, and lifting. I prefer personal-sized work out of necessity.
Q: What does success as an artist look like to you right now?
A: Right now, I’m enjoying feeling connected to my work without feeling compelled to overanalyze it. Much of my earlier work came forth from processing personal experiences and the human condition, which at the time was gratifying and necessary. However, now I’m finding so much freedom in making work that is driven by intuition, color, and pleasure. For the first time in a long time, I’m not trying to impress anyone or prove anything. Success for me is being at peace in my studio and letting the work be what it is with room to play and experiment.
Q: You’re a creative consultant and coach. What do you enjoy most about helping other artists?
A: I love helping people with the psychological aspect of balancing a creative practice with all the other things life throws at them. So many of my clients are deeply self-critical and get stuck in their own head because our culture has set these unreachable standards around productivity, visibility, and success. I love pointing out these invisible barriers because at the end of the day, how we perceive ourselves is often the deciding factor between a creative practice that thrives or none at all.
Q: What do you wish to see more of in our local art scene?
A: Accountability.
Q: How long have you been a member? Why did you join RoCo?
A: I’ve been a member for about 3.5 years. I joined because I strongly believe in supporting not only local artists, but local venues that support emerging talent. RoCo is an important part of Rochester’s creative community, and I wanted to support the work they do to help artists connect, experiment, and share their work.
Q: We always like to end with something totally different: What in your wardrobe do you wear most often?
A: I’m a big housecoat fan - robes, dusters, and pajama jackets are a must. I believe comfort is paramount while you’re at home. We spend so much of our lives being uncomfortable there’s no need to not be as relaxed as possible in the safety of your own space.