StatementAs an artist, my work explores the intersection of abstraction and realism, using layers of texture, color, and mark-making to create depth and meaning. I work across painting, drawing, digital illustration, and photography, often incorporating mixed media to push the boundaries of traditional techniques. My current focus is on abstract realism in portraiture, blending realistic elements with expressive abstraction to highlight the departure from realism. Inspired by the interplay between control and spontaneity, I experiment with layering, transparency, and surface manipulation to evoke a rich tapestry of experience and a compelling theme of abstract versus realism.
BioBeyond my studio practice, I am an educator dedicated to fostering creativity, exploration, and critical thinking. I have taught in diverse settings, including a therapeutic alternative school, rural districts, Chicago Public Schools, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Now in my 25th year I am currently serving as a Visual Arts Teacher and Department Coordinator in suburban Chicago, teaching courses in drawing, painting, pottery, digital photography, Illustration, sculpture, and AP Art & Design.
I hold a BA in Studio Art, a BA in Art Education and an MAAE from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, all of which have shaped my teaching philosophy and artistic approach. An active member of the Illinois and National Art Education Associations, I have presented on topics such as Community Mapping, Reimagining Museums, and Socially Engaged Art. |
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