After exploring many different mediums and expressions of art, my artistic discipline has taken the form of Representational Figurative Art in oils -specifically, the Portrait. As human beings, we are drawn to the human face, searching for clues into the private world of individuals. We find clues in their culture, manner of dress, grooming, and age. We look deep into their eyes to see if they reveal any of their secrets. I want to search those faces, explore their secrets, and learn from their life stories.
The skills and knowledge I have acquired are the tools I use to express myself in a visual form. The desire for excellence has brought me to seek out a Master's Degree at the Acaemdy Art University. I chose this institution of learning because of its reputation for excellence in the academics and passing on the traditions of the Great Masters of Art. However, the desire to express myself is not only intellectual, but is also an emotional response to all that I am. Life experiences and more importantly, the people in my life greatly affect my work, which is why the human form holds such great interest to me. The great French author and moralist Francois de La Rochefoucauld wisely wrote, "We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others that in the end we become disguised to ourselves." These street artists intrigue us with their disguises. We are drawn into their world, if only for a moment, and in so doing, escape from ours. Through my work, I hope to engage viewers in a life removed from their own -if only for a few moments.
My current body of work explores individuals who perform as street artists. I chose this venue because I find street artists engaging, entertaining, colorful, and often, unexpected. I often wonder why they have chosen this path for their lives. Many of them wear sunglasses, extravagant hats, and masks, painted on or otherwise. Who are these people? What part of their lives are they letting us into? What facets do they keep hidden from us?
I was born and raised in the heart of San Francisco. My mother was a great lover of art and theater. She brought us to art galleries, museums, and to the children's opera. She herself was an artist who at one time owned a small shop on Hampshire Street, San Francisco, where she taught china painting.
I attended Notre Dame High School, City Collage, Skyline College, San Mateo College and obtained my Bachelor Degree in Art with an emphasis on drawing and painting at San Francisco State University in 1983.
I began to explore many different media and disciplines, ceramics, jewelry, porcelain doll making and more. I got heavily involved in the craft arena. I established, owned and for ten years operated a successful business, Village Crafters, that showcased the works of artists and craftsmen.
In 1997, I began to seriously paint again. I attended intense painting workshops in the classic techniques of the Old Masters for four summers at the Liliedahl Fine Art Studio in Texas. This inspired me to continue my education at the San Francisco Academy of Art University where I earned my Master of Fine Art degree in 2007. My career goals are to be a Gallery Artist and Teacher.
