Hello,

I have always been surrounded by art. Both of my great grandparents (on my father's side) were prolific artists throughout their long lives, each with their unique style and preferred mediums. Some of my earliest memories were exploring their studios and playing with paints and other materials (some that a 7 year old probably didn't have any right being in the same room with!). My mother herself was a fine artist, majoring in Art History, and now carries her creativity forth through an incredible eye for eclectic and funky interior design. My father's art lives in a mastery in the workshop and the kitchen. I have always seen art as an integral part of life. As has my younger sister, Sadie, who is currently pursuing a career as an art teacher! 

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My own explorations with art started early- and I tried it all! If I was out working on the farm, you bet that I was drawing, painting, or crafting something! All of this random and chaotic (but admittedly rather vaguely directioned) youthful patron for all things that could be pasted together on a whim came to a head rather fatefully when I was 13 and diagnosed with hip and femoral dysplasia requiring 7 years of major reconstructive surgery. Don't be quick to think of this as "tragic" (though it certainly was not fun), as this turned out to be a pivotal event in my life, shaping how I see art, the world, and who I am today. Wheelchair, walker, or crutches bound for most of these 7 years- boy! I tried everything! Watercolors, jeweling, acrylic, collage, sculpting, pottery, stained glass, printing, and even knitting (the first thing I knit was a sweater for my cat- so naturally I thought that I had peaked!). But from the moment I first worked with oils I was hooked. 

 

My first true set of oil paints and brushes belonged to my Oma, my great grandmother. No labels, leaking every nature of who-knows what, and probably containing some heavy metals that are no longer used in paint, I had no way of knowing what colors I would find inside but to open and explore! With no pre-conceived notion of what mixed with what, I developed a keen instinct for how to mix and blend. To look at an object and just know exactly what colors to mix. Sure, I was no Picasso at 13, but this understanding of color gave me a real leg up as my further education into art truly began. 14 years later and I have an attic full of acrylics, charcoal, drafting boards, and watercolors... but my oil paints remain always at hand.

 

I have been living in Portland, Maine for the last 6 years, following my education at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). My first experience here was unforgettable, as I was highly involved with the founding, design, and creation of Portland's very first traveler's hostel, The Black Elephant Hostel (blackelephanthostel.com) alongside my family. I have grown to love this city and call it my home. 

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I have one lovely co-artist, 13 year old Pokitty (left) and one kitten, Isla (right) who is not yet allowed to join the fun!

                  I am always looking for new projects, and me and my little family couldn't be happier!