ARTIST STATEMENT:

My work consists of mostly figurative works that convey a subtle meaning to the viewer. I enjoy working with the idea of creating works of art that feel complete yet are physically “unfinished”, whether it be by excluding body parts or by leaving some areas with rough “preliminary” line works. I want the viewer to “put the pieces together” for themselves, understand the missing elements as if they were truly there, and question why such elements may be missing or distorted in the first place.
My more recent work is focused on the idea of personal growth, and building ones life upon their past experiences. Our culture is constantly pushing us to look towards our future, and to “be the best”, however one cannot get to that future without reflecting on the past and building upon it. You need to know where you are coming from to know where you are going. I am trying to discover who I am and have found that it is an ever-changing process. People transition from one form to another on a psychological and emotional level. We are constantly building ourselves, putting ourselves together, only to be torn apart and have to reconfigure ourselves again later. Things we hold dear today may not be important to us tomorrow, but the fact that it existed at some point in time for us makes it a part of us, even though it may no longer “fit”.
I use mediums that are both familiar and unfamiliar to me. Though I enjoy working with standard drawing mediums such as charcoal and pencil, occasionally I feel the need to break away and work with liquid mediums and mixed media to get out of my comfort zone. It allows my mind to work more freely. I enjoy more forgiving mediums, ones that can be manipulated, changed, or erased simply because my works and thought process change as I work on them. Occasionally however, I appreciate the raw truth of ink that can’t be erased or covered. It has an energy that I want but can’t control.

Exhibitions/Awards:

Art Institute & Gallery Contemporary Painting and Drawing Show, Salisbury, MD May, June 2008
· One work accepted into show
BFA Thesis Show, Salisbury, MD May 2008
· Selected exhibition hosting focused works of 26 BFA students of Salisbury University
· Hosted in the University Gallery in Fulton Hall
38th Biannual Senior Art Show, Salisbury, MD April 2008
· Culmination of works from 34 graduating art students of Salisbury University
· Awarded “People’s Choice” Award, one of five President Art Awards
· Hosted in the University Gallery in Fulton Hall
Art Institute & Gallery Spring Juried Art Show, Salisbury, MD March, April 2008
· AI&G annual members exhibition
· Two works accepted into show
Salisbury University “Foundations” Art Show, Salisbury, MD Spring 2005
· Salisbury show designed to exhibit selected freshmen student works
Congressional Art Show, Washington DC Spring 2001-04
· Nationwide art competition for high school students
· Placed in top three in the State of Maryland in select categories for three consecutive years