Tell a little bit about how you first got into creating art.
In the Spring of 2014 the artist in me woke up after discovering the life and art of a child prodigy, Akiane Kramarik who painted the face of Jesus at the age of eight. Her life story and the image of Jesus titled “Prince of Peace” captivated me so much that it made me want to pick up a brush and paint. At this time I was at a very low point in my life and was once again I found myself fighting for my life. I was born with a genetic illness Elhers Danlos Syndrome. My spine collapsed one as a child and again as an adult. I also survived two pulmonary embolisms. I had another miracle recovery in 2014 and in 2015 at the age of 40 my art journey began. While I was in the hospital fighting for my life in November 2014 I began thinking of Akiane and Jesus and the impact it had on me. I knew I had to continue to fight for my life once again so I could become an artist. I promised God if he would save my life once again I would try to do something with my life regardless of my disabilities and limitations. Since 2015 I have created over 140 paintings and drawings.
...we have enough darkness in the world and I want to bring light to people not sadness when they view my work
What artists or movement have had an impact on you?
My big is an inspiration in my heart has been child prodigy, Akiane Kramarik. I am also inspired by the work of old masters. I love the old Dutch and Flemish painters. The realistic art of that time is so inspirational to me. These painters used incredible details in their work. I’m also fascinated by the use of dark backgrounds in their work. I use a lot of dark backgrounds in my work as well. I am also very inspired by an incredible wildlife artist named Richard Macwee, based in Scotland. His work is unbelievably beautiful and he has a very unique style that he worked very hard to achieve over the years. His medium of choice is Pastels, and he inspired me to try Pastels in 2019. Since then I’ve created over 85 pastels.
One of my big dream and goal is to help create a program that would help disabled artists with low incomes to buy art supplies at a reduced cost
What themes does your work involve?
I enjoy depicting people, children, pets, wildlife, landscapes, nature, still lives, botanicals and spirituality. My inability to ever have children of my own draws me to depict them. I enjoy depicting the beauty of nature and everything in it. I don’t enjoy depicting all the trauma I went through. The way I look at it is that we have enough darkness in the world and I want to bring light to people not sadness when they view my work. I want people to feel happiness and joy when they see my art.
What is important to you about the visual experiences you create?
It is very important for me that when people look at my work, they feel happy. They feel the love that I put into my work. I enjoy most drawing animals because I feel they provide so much love and affection to us when I draw animals I can feel their love, and emotions. Animals are so enjoyable for me depict. I love to draw and paint with a high detail to give the highly realistic look.
What is the significance of medium and color?
I enjoy working in almost every medium, but my medium of choice for the past four years has been pastels. I also enjoy painting in oils and acrylics and gouache. I love using dark colors for backgrounds dark blue being one of my favorites.
Do you work from memory, life, photographs, or from other resources? Describe your creative process.
I normally work from photographs. My style is photorealism. Recently, I began learning how to use a camera and take my own pictures. I tried working from life and it’s a bit harder with my health condition so I use mostly photographs. I also recently started learning how to use computer programs, and I am learning how to edit my images.
What is your favorite art accident? Did it change your perspective?
I had an accident when I was creating this portrait of Elon Musk going to space in pastels. The metallic part of his suit got stained when the painting fell from my easel. I tried covering it with Pastels and I was not able to cover the stain. Fortunately enough, I came up with the idea to paint the area with gouache which dries just like pastels. I was able to save the painting. I was really happy that the gouache worked. I had put over 80 hours to create this piece. I am now interested in learning restoration.
Do you have any artistic goals for the future that you would like to share?
One of my big dream and goal is to help create a program that would help disabled artists with low incomes to buy art supplies at a reduced cost. I think it would really help disabled artists to motivate them to do art. Art supplies are extremely expensive. Lowering the cost would give those with low income, a chance to do their art as a form of therapy. I have found that for me art helps me with my depression and anxiety and all the complications associated with my genetic disorder.
What do you consider the role of an artist today?
I’m very blessed to have discovered my art ability, and I feel it’s a gift from God. My job is to share my artistic gift with the world. I want to inspire people with my art. I want to continue creating art that people feel happy and peaceful to view. I don’t enjoy depicting the hardships in my life. The way I look at it is that we have so much sadness and negativity in the world as it is, why add more sadness. I want to bring joy and happiness to people when they view my art and be part of making positive changes in the world.
