Early Beginnings
There has never been a time in my life when I wasn’t creating art. I’ve wanted to be an artist ever since I was a child. While all the kids in my New Jersey neighborhood went to football games on Saturdays, I went to art school. After graduating from high school, I attended Philadelphia College of the Arts. I spent my last year at the institution on a scholarship for excellence in printmaking and painting.
Finding Calmness in Nature
Growing up near the shores of New Jersey, I used to go out and sit on my favorite jetty for hours, just looking out at the sea. As an older and more reflective person, I now understand that I have a connection with the ocean. I was using the natural world to calm and center myself. Even today, I still do that. One place where I can be together with nature is in my backyard, which is a haven in the city. It has orchids and other exotic flowers and, most recently, a butterfly garden.
Traveling as a Source of Inspiration
My journey in life has taken me around the continents, sailing on boats to the South Pacific, New Guinea, Australia, and Asia. I spent my life going on various adventures to these places. While traveling, I never forgot to take a sketchbook with me, keeping a journal through my drawings and paintings to remember all the locations I’ve been to.
Applying My Connection With Nature to My Art
I am always aware of my deep relationship with the world around me, and I try to relate this to my work. Because I’m inspired by nature, my creativity vibrates with excitement when I begin working on a new painting.
When painting, my focus becomes so strong that everything else melts away. I find myself in a very meditative state. The wonder of the patterns that make up nature ignites my passion, so much that the nuances of a flower can consume me for days. I love to capture those patterns on canvas.
Art as My Offering to the World
Art is a gift that I like to share. In my works, you will see light, color, and beauty come together in harmony. I try to capture the illusion of depth of space while working primarily in acrylic on canvas, all in the effort to create something that my audience would appreciate. My hope is that I can prompt a sense of peacefulness and joy in all the people that experience my art.
Giving Back to My Community
Because I love the sea, I’ve contributed my artwork to help raise funds for groups that focus on sea-related advocacies. These include the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center in Key Biscayne, Florida and the Shake-A-Leg organization. The latter teaches disabled and at-risk children and adults to sail, giving them confidence and independence. I have also made a sculpture piece called “Shattered Images” for a breast cancer fundraiser. Also, I have donated many paintings to raise money for what I consider “worthy causes”, Born Free Dog Rescue, Womans Club of Coconut Grove, University of Miami, and an Orphanage in India.
Shows and Exhibitions
Collectors
Reach Out to Me
To learn more about my artworks, please get in touch with me. I am looking forward to hearing from you!