Bio

I was born in 1979 in a small borough of Pittsburgh, PA. From an early age, I found solace in art. Growing up, I felt lonely and struggled to comprehend the complexities of the world around me. Drawing became my refuge, and art became a means of processing my thoughts and emotions.

Driven by my passion, I pursued a BA in Integrative Arts at Pennsylvania State University, where I merged landscape architecture principles with artistic expression. This fusion allowed me to convey the harmony between nature and creativity, forming the foundation of my artistic style.

Since 2005, I have made the Pacific Northwest my home. I have actively engaged myself in the local art community and advocated for the arts in my region. Serving as the President of Portland Open Studios and as the Vice-Chair of Artistry in Vancouver, WA, I am proud to dedicate myself to fostering artistic connections, supporting local artists, and promoting the elevation of arts in my community.

My work has garnered recognition, with pieces being included in national and international collections, such as the Art in the Embassies program in Doha, Qatar. I have also been honored to exhibit at the Biennial at the Tacoma Art Museum and the Museum of Northwest Art in LaConnor, WA.

Statement

For over two decades, I have primarily worked as an abstract painter. Creating art has always brought me solace, even from an early age when I used whatever supplies I could find. This incredible drive to express myself visually has shaped my identity as an artist.

The themes that permeate my work are deeply rooted in my connection to the environment, science, and nature. Growing up in a small blue-collar borough of Pittsburgh, PA, I eagerly anticipated our weekend visits to my grandparents' house in the countryside. I would spend the day playing in the woods, and on clear nights, my dad would set up his homemade telescope, and we would gaze at the universe.

Through my art, I strive to evoke a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world, while also addressing pressing issues that threaten its delicate balance. Although painting remains my primary medium, I have expanded to include video, sound compositions, and lighting effects, creating immersive installations. In my installations and videos, I confront a range of social issues, including climate change, disinformation, artificial intelligence, social media addiction, women's rights, hate crimes, and rising gun violence. My goal is to provoke introspection and raise awareness about the critical issues that shape our world.

Within my creative process, time and memory play significant roles. Each artwork I undertake is a slow and meditative journey, where I layer vibrant colors to build depth. This deliberate approach allows me to embrace the present moment and explore the subjective passage of time. Light and atmosphere serve as guiding forces, influencing my distinctive color palette.

I often incorporate references to famous paintings in my work, drawing inspiration from their color palettes or cloud motifs. This pays tribute to the artists who have inspired me throughout my journey while infusing their works with my own perspective. By merging my passion for the environment, science, and nature with explorations of time and memory, I aspire to create art that not only captivates but also inspires change.

Cv

BORN: 1979, Pittsburgh, PA

EDUCATION: 2001 Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
BA, Integrative Arts

EXHIBITIONS (* Solo Shows)

2022
Anstine Gallery, Vancouver, WA

2021
Guardino Gallery, Portland, OR
Cafe Mingo, Portland, OR
Simon Brietbard .Fine Arts, San Francisco, CA

2018
Guardino Gallery, Portland, OR
Recycled Rain Project, Portland, OR

2016
Alexis Hotel, Seattle, WA

2015
Sara Nightingale Gallery, “Reinventing the Helm,”, Water Mill, NY
Sara Nightingale Gallery, “Entitled”, Water Mill, NY
McKenzie and Cross, “Summer Group Show”, Washington, D.C.

2014
*East Side Commerce Center, “Solo Show”, Portland, OR
University of Portland, “Coal, Not in any Backyard”, Portland, OR

2013
Cascade Aids Project, Art Auction, Portland, OR
Guardino Gallery, Portland, OR
Stephanie Breitbard Fine Art, Mill Valley, CA

2012
Tacoma Art Museum, 10th NW Biennial, Tacoma, WA
Lake Eden Arts Festival, Black Mountain College, Black Mountain, NC

2011
SIM Gallery, Group Exhibition, Reykjavik, Iceland
Guardio Gallery, Portland, OR
Seattle Art Museum Rental Gallery, “Earth Matters”, Seattle, WA

2010
Seattle Art Museum Rental Gallery, “Introductions 2010”, Seattle, WA

2009
Museum of North West Art, “Representing Abstraction”, La Conner, WA Lucia Douglas Gallery, 10×10” Group Exhibit, Bellingham, WA
Guardino Gallery, Portland, OR

2008
*Café Verite, Seattle, WA
*Tyson Gallery, Portland, OR
Howden Art, Oregon City, OR
L’une Gallery, Manzanita, OR

2007
Guardino Gallery, Portland, OR
Christoff Gallery, Seattle, WA
Brian Markie Gallery, Portland, OR

2006
*Montinore Estates, Dilly, OR
Art & The Environment Benefit, P.E.A.C., Portland, OR
*Moxie, Portland, OR
Portland Open Studios, Portland, OR

2005
Talisman Gallery, Portland, OR
Art & The Environment Benefit, P.E.A.C., Portland, OR

2004
Art One Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ

2003
*Boyce Thompson Gallery, Superior, AZ

COLLECTIONS
Novo Nordisk, Plainsboro, New Jersey
Westin Hotel, Dallas, Texas
General Hospital Acute Care, San Francisco, California
Columbia Towers Club, Seattle, Washington
Swedish Hospital, Mill Creek, Washington
Swedish Hospital, Redmond, Washington
U.S. Embassy, Doha, Qatar
Westin Hotel, Cincinnati, Ohio

COMMISSIONS
2017 Aaron Draplin 2011 Katherine Sasaki
2010 Ann Garibaldi
Kristin Watkins
2009 Mural, Burien Arts, Burien, WA

AWARDS
2011 SIM Residency, Reykjavik, Iceland
2010 Oregon Arts Commission, Fellowship
2009 Professional Development Grant, Regional Arts and Cultural Council

PROFESSIONAL 2007-2010 - Portland Open Studios, Board President 2019 - 2023 - Artstra, Vice-Chair 2022-2023 - Anstine Gallery, Curator