Tell us a little bit about yourself? Where did you grow up?
I was raised in Pasco, WA. My mom still lives in the same house I grew up in, so it's full of memories and trinkets, and ALL the art I made in college. I have a full time job, am involved in church, volunteer in Haiti every year, and try really hard to be more interesting today than I was yesterday.
Do you come from a creative family?
One very energetic, loving and creative mother and one very hardworking, productive dad. The two have instilled in me the need to create and produce which I think is a good combination.
Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating was something you absolutely had to do?
I actually think I come to that conclusion 100's of times in my life; over and over again, every time I get a new idea, I feel the need to get it out. I get grumpy if I don't get to create. A paintbrush is a good cure for that unsettling feeling.
What about faces or the human form do you try to capture in your work?
I call my work 'beautifully corrosive' because I think every person has a harsh or deep hurt, that is directly contrasting to their beauty. It's a dichotomy that represents many facets in all our lives. Someone crying can be beautiful or heartbreaking; or an old discarded photograph is used to inspire a new painting. The photographs I find at estate sales have stories that no one may ever know and I feel it's my job to share their stories at least one more time, whether it be beautiful or corrosive.
What's your favorite thing you've ever created?
I created a ball gown out of an old orange and white round parachute. I love giant gowns and suits, but I love stories just as much. I titled it "DB Cooper" like the 1970's plane heist villain that got away. But the parachute came from my parents, my dad was my mom's skydiving instructor.
Describe your style as an artist in 3 words. Colorful, haunting, beautifully corrosive.
What do you find to be the hardest part about the work you do? It's a conversation; and if people aren't willing to have a conversation with the art, then it's just a weird, haunting picture you probably don't want on your wall.
Are there any mediums you'd love to work with but haven't tried yet? Encaustic (painting with wax), is next on my list.
Favorite artists?
Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, Jason deCaires Taylor (Underwater sculptures)
What are you most excited about for this art show, "Surface?" And anything else you'd love to share? (website, Instagram... interesting link?)
Surface is a great theme because there is always more to a person that what you see, but unless you are willing to have a conversation with the art, you'll never see more than the face-value.
I'm SO excited to be part of this show, I love Standard Goods and am honored to be part of this, really neat.