Artist Statement

In 2020 we were all forced to stay inside and nothing had ever felt so right. My attachment to home and routine became the inspiration for a series of paintings and sculptures where I celebrated the rut of 30 years of marriage, dogs in my personal space, and staring at screens. I felt tension and isolation along with comfort in these everyday scenes. It is now 2024 and the world is, well, a mess. Anxiety and pessimism are demanding to be a larger part of my narrative work.

My oil on canvas paintings express my emotions through imperfect lines, warped perspectives and surreal elements. Alternatively, in my mixed media paintings, I sculpt layers onto panel that accentuate perspective and play with reality. These smaller 3D pieces are informed by my sense of humor and use modest materials to reflect the scale of the stories. Cardboard from Amazon orders, glitter, embroidery thread, and craft clays are used alongside oil paint, building up the surface, making objects pop out, often extending beyond the edge of the panel. I draw the viewer's eye through exaggeration, such as an enlarged foot or giant remote control. My embellished bisque vases serve as companion pieces to select paintings, further expressing emotional content.

I am inspired by artists who work across mediums, such as Faith Ringgold who used humble tools to make bold statements and Grayson Perry for his subversive humor. I also love the painterly interiors of Pierre Bonnard and Edvard Munch.