I figured I should probably add to this website. After doing some festivals and shows, these are some of the most common questions that I've been asked. Feel free to ask anymore. FAQ:
Where did you go to school?
I'm self-taught aside from a 2D and basic drawing course at a community college about two decades ago. I have a tendency to get absorbed and fixated on whatever I do. If I want to learn something, I'll read profusely. I've been lucky enough to have a few mentors that have allowed me to pick their brains and teach me the basics (particularly with oil painting).
How long have you been doing art?
I have always created something, but life sometimes placed things on the backburner. I took a hiatus from art and began drawing again in 2019 when my daughter asked me if I could draw her a mushroom—I haven't stopped since.
What was your first showing?
Oddly enough, when I was in high school, Wavy Gravy had a show at our local art gallery. I vaguely remember it, but some of the arty kids at school were allowed to participate and I had a sculpture of a giant head entered. For what it's worth, that made an impression upon me so I'm sticking to that.
Why, or how, did you get into art?
My high school band was invited to play at Lincoln Center in NY. Being a misfit, I took off with a handful of friends and went to the MoMA. I saw Pavel Tchelitchew's Hide and Seek. I stood there for a solid 20 minutes in awe. I didn't know who the artist was until many years later, but that was the first painting I saw that had me looking at art in a different matter. His work has forever been a great influence on me.
Why don't we see you at your events?
Sometimes you will on rare occasions. Look, plain and simple, I have severe anxiety that is difficult to convey to others that don't experience it. I want to be there, but it is a struggle and I am working on it. Networking could be my downfall. I'm lucky enough to have an amazing partner that understands and helps me in this area. Apologies. It is what it is.
What influences your art?
Music mostly. I never heard of synesthesia until a few years ago. Honestly, I thought everyone perceived and experienced music the same way. Music is my escape. I put my headphones on and can forget about the world for a moment. I see lines, the thickness of lines, the shape and curve when something hits just right. From there, I'll add to whatever I'm creating. Aside from that, themes in folklore and literature sometimes come through. I also embrace a rather nomadic lifestyle and the landscape of whatever area I'm venturing to tends to inspire me. Insects and human anatomy will forever be incorporated.
Favorite artist?
Let me think of something obscure enough to be acceptable. I'm joking. It depends on the medium, honestly. In illustration, it would be Nick Blinko, Harry Clarke, Beardsley, Ernst, Gorey.... too many to list. da Vinci is in there. Jacob Blanchet (IG: Pictishdreams) is a favorite and helps me to pause and be neater with my own lines.
If you weren't doing art, what would you want to do?
Clinical research.
Do you do commissions?
Rarely. I tend to reserve those for people that I can feed off of creatively. That sounds awful, but, there needs to be some connection there for a piece to turn out decently. An emotional connection either to the subject matter or the person I am creating for. I've had someone ask for me to draw their pet. I can't do that. That is like asking a baker to cook a steak. I pick and choose my commissions, and I'm okay with that.
Can you draw me a tattoo?
No. This is probably the most common question I get. Look, if you want to take one of my pieces and can find a tattoo artist that agrees to do something with it, I'd be honored. It's pretty amazing to think someone would want something I've created tattooed to them. I don't design tattoos because all my "dots" are going to look like shit eventually. It probably wouldn't translate well. Sorry. If someone wants to take a socially awkward gal under their wings and teach them how to tattoo, shoot me a message.
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