Being a very curious person, my creative exploration has included a large variety of media from metal smithing, jewelry, bronze sculptures, stone carving, clay, mixed media sculptures, a little welding, print making, felting, oil, watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media. After spending time on various media, I found my deep love for color with acrylic painting.
My painting process is about experimentation and discovery where my journey has evolved from realism to abstraction. I start each painting using a variety of drawing tools for gestural marks. Then I add bits of contrasting colors as an under layer, and gradually build up layer after layer adding writing during some of the top layers. Each piece is an evolving journey, creating a visual language that evolves organically inviting viewers to interpret it through their own perspective.
Driven by an adventurous spirit, my greatest inspiration comes from traveling. Symbolism often plays a role in my paintings, which originate from my journeys, personal experiences, and life events. I paint with my heart and soul and let these feelings lead the way.
I hold a degree in Art from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s in Education from the University of West Florida. Over the course of 28 years, I taught elementary art in Pensacola, while also teaching a decade of art education courses at the University of West Florida. My work has earned numerous awards, including Best of Show at the Building Peace Exhibit at Luna Fine Art Gallery, Best of Show and more awards at Artel Gallery in Pensacola, multiple Best of Show Awards for Art Educators at the Pensacola Museum of Art, along with other local and state awards. In August 2016, I was honored as the Elementary Art Educator of the Year for the State of Florida.
