ARTIST STATEMENT
I began drawing as a child and was discovered at a young age by the nuns at my elementary school. They gave me my first “commission”: drawing cherubs and angels on greeting cards for the Bishop. By the time I was in the fifth grade I had become the art teacher for my class.
today I am a practicing painter and printmaker, specializing in monotype. Monotype offers me the chance to both design a series and work spontaneously. I can experiment with different mediums and surprise myself with the results. My inspiration comes from seemingly ordinary places: the stand of trees at the end of my road or the intricate structure of a seashell.

Because monotypes are printed while the paint is wet the artist must work quickly, however I still try to plan my designs carefully. I sketch a design on tracing paper, reverse it and position it under the plexiglass plate to provide some structure for my painting. I mix the inks carefully before I begin to work on the plate. Because I want layers of colors to appear in the final print, it is important that the colors be of the right value. Rather than relying on a brush, I prefer to use brayers or rollers to apply layers of paint. I can use the side of the brayer to make lines where needed and then use a rag to wipe out white areas. As a last step, paint is removed or blocked out from those areas that are to appear white in the final print. These sections are often the most exciting areas when the final print in pulled.

Color, texture and patterns are integral to my work. I often press found objects and fabrics into my paintings and prints to create a more interesting surface. I love colors found in nature--corals, blues and greens--and often design a series of prints or paintings around a color scheme i want to explore.

Recently, I have been allowing printing techniques to inform my painting. I enjoy painting in pastel and oil and move freely from one medium to another depending on the result I am seeking. i love the experience of looking closely at an object or scene and enlarging it in my mind to the point of abstraction. One of the most rewarding aspects of my life as an artist is the inspiration and support I find at Beach Street Studios. Working with other artists encourages me to continue to develop as an artist.