Bachelor in Fine Arts and Psychology with minor in Computer Information Systems. Graduated Magna Cum Laude. 2/3rd the way through an MFA in Illustration. Member of York Art Association. Participated in two Juried shows so far with more coming. Participation in YorkArts fund raising activities and teaching.
Artist Statement
I came into the art area with a talent for the absurd and amusing in my work with characters that aren't quite right but remind you of someone you've seen. Influenced by comic strips from the sixties up through today's works, Mad magazine, horror comics and the underground comix scene including such artists as Robert Crumb, Skip Williamson, Howard Cruse, and Basil Wolverton, I was working from the ugly side of the pen when I had the chance. Working with mostly pen and paper, my vision was with the drawing and didn't always adjust to my vision. I am currently working more in pencil and graphite on portraits and other works which are heavily contrasted and moved toward the shadows.
A very fine point pen was my favorite tool. I like constant ink flow, a very fine line for crosshatching, the permanency of the line and the idea that it is finalized and pushing me toward making sure each line is correct. Drawn on paper, many times the work is scanned and colored on the computer, then printed back out on paper. In the last year I've experienced other tools in the art area such as charcoal, paints and pastels, and found myself infatuated with pencil and paper and the use of the eraser as a strategic tool in the working of values in my work. I now constantly work and rework the marks on the paper to create the people and things. Recently did sculpture with great results (see portfolio).
I am strong in the naturalistic and surrealistic where I can focus on a structure and form. Abstract work is still abstract to my vision seeming like random mess of color and values although I am attempting to understand it from others' viewpoints. My friends and family see more in my fine art abilities than I do, but I know I have skills when I look at my penned characters. I am enjoying the current training when properly challenged. I still love the nonsense I draw but also like the fine artist that is emerging.
