Making art has been an integral part of my life since my very early childhood.  My mother was a very creative person and she influenced me to find my own artistic voice.  Since these early days many things have changed, of course, but my desire and need to create visual images has remained.
     Growing up in the Greater Providence RI area I was incredibly inspired by the arts scene of RISD and Brown.  In 1994 I set out on my own to pursue my education at the University of Vermont.  There I studied art education and studio art and graduated in 1999.
     I have explored many artistic mediums over the years but painting has always been my passion.  In my most recent works I am exploring the marriage of paint and existing imagery.  I am intrigued by the idea of giving old imagery a new meaning.  My paintings are a commentary on what it means to be human.  A number of the pieces deal with the idea of human sexuality and the cultural iconography of sex.  The way in which the images play off of one another is crucial and the paint with its intense color and texture brings depth and context to the paintings.  I want to lure in the viewer and offer provocative imagery that evokes meaning and recognition while allowing them to bring their own interpretation to the work.  I’m striving for the completed pieces to solicit a host of emotions but also encourage questions to be answered by the viewer.
     During my college years I had the privilege to study with artist, Michael Oatman.  His collage and installation pieces were very influential.  I also draw inspiration from the works of Rauschenberg, Warhol, Matisse, Kahlo and Bearden.