I fall upwards as an "abstract expressionist"; what I'm really trying to convey is the influence of the mid-20th century artistic movement comprising of the diverse styles and techniques, emphasizing the liberty to convey attitudes and emotions through non-traditional and usually non-representational means.
The act of "inside-the-box-thinking" continues to surprise and delight as I seek to solve tough problems with breakthrough ideas. In limiting options, I open discovery with a whole new process of innovations, resulting in seeing solutions that may just be hiding in plain sight. My quiver is full with water mediums and threads. Yet with no real roadmap, experimentation and innovation are necessary, along with a heavy dose of of accepting the inevitable failures! I experiment in order to find my way around myself.
I explore an ongoing fascination with innovative and experimental work. Perhaps by painting with a credit card in a sloppy wet mess on claybord, silk painting with dyes, combining textiles, fiber work and stitching, I'm free to explore the nontraditional and nonrepresentational processes of those abstract expressionists and find my way.
I continue to "move forward", a phrase to help tell my story of diversity as a mark-maker, illustrator, graphic designer, watercolorist, surface designer, textile artist, educator, art technique coach, presenter, and innovator. I seek to convey powerful messages, attitudes and emotions through my work.
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left, and I could say, "I used everything you gave me".
Attitudes.
Emotions.
Non-representational.
Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
ABBREVIATED BIO:
Studies include University of Illinois, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, various graphic design and fine art residencies, internships, private instruction, internships and mentorships.
Penn State Universities Galleries, Robeson Gallery. State College Pennsylvania. Solo. Catalog.
Ringling College Of Art+Design Galleries. Englewood Florida
McLean County Arts Center, Dolan Gallery, Bloomington Illinois. Solo. Catalog. Work available in the sales gallery.
Contemporary Art Center, Peoria Illinois. Solo. Catalog.
Main Gallery 404, Bloomington Illinois. Framed, matted, unframed and original cards available/commissions welcome!
Venice Art Center, Venice Florida. Solo. Group. Work available in the sales gallery. Framed, matted, unframed and original cards available/commissions welcome!
Art Center Manatee, Bradenton Florida. Group. Work available in the sales gallery.
Oliver Art Center, Frankfort, Michigan. Group. Work available in the sales gallery.
International Society of Experimental Artists, Group. Signature Member.
Illinois Watercolor Society. Group.
Art&Frame Gallery, Winter Park Colorado. Group.
COMMISSIONS WELCOME: Fine Art for residential and commercial spaces
ENGAGE WITH TECHNIQUE COACHING: Refine your artists-story while getting solid objective feedback
PUBLIC SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS: Inspire your artist community with an informative and lively presentation with a focus on innovative and experimental art-making
COURSES: In person and on Zoom courses with a focus on urban-sketching in watercolor and pen+ink while learning how to minimize marks and control water mediums
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