Who is, or has been, the biggest influence on your art?
I have to say that my creative parents have been the biggest influence on my art. My mother was a high school art teacher and glass artisan and my father a self-taught glass blower. They are still working artists and will be until they can create no more. I grew up in a creative environment where exploration, invention, creative expression and hard work were encouraged and exemplified. I am very thankful to have had that experience growing up. I love the immediacy and light of Monet, the grace of the Pre-Raphaelites, pattern and color Gustav Klimt and forms of Egon Schiele.
Which of your works is your personal favorite and why?
The piece on the easel is usually my favorite one. I love the process of working, making discoveries and the struggle of the process. I am really enjoying developing the Performers Series. The figure is fascinating to me. It never looses it’s mystery and appeal. I love pattern and visual texture. Dancers and costuming translate beautifully into visual language. I am inspired by endless subjects. It is easy for me to find something of interest in everything I draw or paint. Every subject offers new challenges so I intentionally vary my subject to make new discoveries.
Of all your travels, which city or place inspires you the most? Why?
I am currently captivated by Italy after a recent extended stay. I was able to travel throughout the country and explore many large cities and remote villages. Venice captured my heart. The Southern Coast of Spain is also a favorite place. I love the work of Gaudi, mango's and Andalusians. I simply love to travel. I have begun bringing groups on International painting adventures to paint and explore with me.
What is your creative process like?
I am an intuitive rather than a process or systematic painter. I have an idea inspired by a thought, a pose and expression and I paint. I rarely know just where it is I’m heading when I begin. I enjoy the process of letting things unfold and become. I am very conscious of color, design and movement. I love “thinking marks,” to see the hand of the artist in work. Marks are important to me. I like to draw as well as paint and sculpt. I want to feel what I am making, to become a part of it. I feel I am successful if a viewer is compelled to explore and move around and through my work.
