While I have always been an artist, achieving a degree in graphic design, drawing, and dabbling in tattoo art, my current artwork started out as a conversation with my sister. She was an amazing artist and through this medium I feel close to her. I lost her three years ago so each paint stroke has been my way of healing. Through painting and layering colors and textures, I feel I am communicating with her.
I use a variety of materials in my work. To add textures and layers, I use molding paste, recycled tire shreds, or coffee grounds. And for paints, I use acrylics, watercolors, and alcohol inks. I particularly like the way watercolors and acrylics interact with each other. With each having their own strong personalities, they create discourse when brought together. The juxtaposition of the harsh thick acrylic with the soft thin watercolors and fluid light alcohol ink tell a story throughout my work. My artwork comes from something inside of me, whether it is an internal conversation, or an emotion for which I cannot find words. The paint lets me get it out and confront it.
My art is my therapy.
