Mixed-media Maker
My dad loved to draw, and had taken the Famous Artists Course after he joined the Marines — they advertised in the back of magazines way back when. He always encouraged me by giving me things to draw when I was bored, and when he was deployed, I had those Famous Artists assignments. Funny, because I never considered drawing “Spunky” would foretell my path. An award winning career in Graphic Design began when I was hired into a small advertising agency, because the art director liked the way I drew hair. This took my childhood love of drawing and making stuff, to an all new level. A lifetime of self-teaching; from drawing board, to graphic and web design on computer, has kept a spark of creativity that seems to light a fire under me to create.
A military dad meant moving all the time. I think the very act of living in so many places; the Carolinas, many places in Michigan (including my hometown of Flint), living as an expat in Shanghai, China — leads me to find grounding in the nature of work I’m doing.
I really started making art seriously in 2012, after taking a wonderful painting workshop with an inspiring teacher, Jane Robinson. Since then I’ve created 60+ pieces, and I’m dedicating more and more time to this making of art, my heart!
My materials:
Evolving from working with clay — wheel-thrown, hand-built or sculptured — I was drawn to such a tactile medium almost as a counter to working in the confines of my desk or computer. Add to that, a newfound love of liquid acrylics — used often as a watercolor or a stain — applying it to wood has been an adventure, feeling like I’m finding what’s hidden in the wood. Many of my handmade frames carry the same application. A relationship with a complex mitre saw…never saw that coming!
Shows include:
Buckham Gallery:
January 2014
Flint Water Crisis Show 2016
Various member events
Totems & Sacred Expressions 2019
Kettering University Water Show
Commissions: Communities First, Inc., Oak Park
Greater Flint Arts Council (GFAC):
Members Show – Best of Show 2018
Members Show – 2nd Place 2019