I grew up in Clifton, VA, surrounded by woods and a stream running through our backyard. From a young age, I was raised to appreciate the beauty of all living things. I graduated from the University of Mary Washington, VA with a degree in studio art. While a student, I honed my craft, experimenting on many different media (e.g., printmaking, painting, ceramics). I found each medium had its benefits and limitations).

My artwork reflects a love of wildlife and is influenced by the symbolism of animals in different cultures. My animals have personality as I try to depict human emotion through the lens of my non-human subjects. My art is especially for young ones and the young at heart. My focus is mainly in Printmaking, but I also work with Watercolor and Acrylic paint.

For those who are unfamiliar with Printmaking, it is the process of transferring an image from a surface to a substrate, usually paper or fabric. I use two techniques for making prints, silkscreen printing and relief printing.

Silkscreen printing is similar to making a stencil. I separate the different colors of my design into different layers, then transfer it to a silk screen, where I press ink through the screen and onto the substrate with a squeegee. Each color requires its own layer, so the more complex the design, the more layers are required for the final product.

Relief printing is similar to making a stamp. Using a special tool called a gouge, I carve out the negative spaces of my design into a block of linoleum or wood, and print it onto the substrate with black ink. I often like to finish my prints with watercolor to give them a life of their own.

I am an Artist with the Art a la Carte Gallery in Occoquan, VA and often can be found at local and regional art shows. Attend one of my artist receptions at the Gallery and/or visit when I'm demonstrating my print techniques. I'd love to share my art with you.