Although I’ve always been a creative person, it wasn’t until I entered my MFA program at Vermont College that I began seriously pursuing a career as an artist. I graduated with a specialization in installation art, but went on to study oil painting and drawing in workshops held at the Art Students League, Studio Incamminati, and in person with other prominent artists. I always knew, however , that my true strength lies in drawing. After years of struggling with different mediums, I finally found an artist I could relate to, Annie Murphy Robinson. She has become not only a teacher and mentor, but a friend. Annie has influenced my work profoundly. We both come from simi lar backgrounds. Because of this deep personal connection she has helped me find a more honest, authentic way to express my own life experiences
About
My technique when drawing involves meticulously sanding charcoal into heavy printmaking paper. I typically work in a 40x30” format or larger. This method is tedious and time consuming, but I enjoy the process and find it fits my style of working. I also love the way the charcoal creates a dark moody environment. I think of the images as appearing thru smoke. To me, these images seem to posses an almost magical quality.
Most of my work captures everyday people in moments of quiet contemplation. I work mainly from photos. I look for models who are of interest to me because of something I sense about them, or their unique appearance. I love the ability to transport the viewer into the worlds of people they have overlooked or maybe judged in the past. The drawings and paintings are giving the viewer the opportunity to slow down and experience people in a more personal way, and give them a glimpse of the emotions lying just below the surface. We can all learn so much thru these experiences. This is the value of artistic expression. We all need and want connection with others, although today that connection has been almost entirely lost.