Artist Statement
My work explores the contradictory nature of the relationship between things that are microscopically and visually beautiful, but in reality can be lethal. These images of the microscopic entities include viruses and bacteria, addictive substances, the chemical compositions of mental illnesses, and debilitating and terminal diseases. All things that are beautiful and ugly simultaneously. I not only find beauty in the images of these microscopic structures, but also in the contradiction they represent. How could something so dangerous be so visually appealing? Why is the structure of the substance not as ugly and disturbing as its effects? How do we process the contradiction? I aim to unify the beauty with the ugliness in intellectually and emotionally compelling work.
My mixed media pieces incorporate drawing, painting, and collage processes on a variety of surfaces include multiple types of wood, watercolor papers, and canvas. I explore the ways that different combinations of media will work on a new surface. This experimentation with different media combinations always leads to new discoveries and methods for artistic expression. I begin each new piece with a specific idea, but I allow the piece to evolve as I go. My prefered mediums are charcoal, watercolor, oil paint, oil pastels, and india ink. Research is essential to my process. After I find imagery, I rely on my aesthetic sensibility to mesh with the intellectual aspect of my subject matter. Although each piece may begin as a scientific photograph, my use of color, and expressive mark-making keeps each piece personal. I aim to elevate the structure so that it has emotional impact, rather than just appearing as a scientific illustration.
Overall, my work is inspired by the human form, its strengths and weaknesses, and the lasting impact that things we cannot see have on individual lives and those left in their wake.
My work explores the contradictory nature of the relationship between things that are microscopically and visually beautiful, but in reality can be lethal. These images of the microscopic entities include viruses and bacteria, addictive substances, the chemical compositions of mental illnesses, and debilitating and terminal diseases. All things that are beautiful and ugly simultaneously. I not only find beauty in the images of these microscopic structures, but also in the contradiction they represent. How could something so dangerous be so visually appealing? Why is the structure of the substance not as ugly and disturbing as its effects? How do we process the contradiction? I aim to unify the beauty with the ugliness in intellectually and emotionally compelling work.
My mixed media pieces incorporate drawing, painting, and collage processes on a variety of surfaces include multiple types of wood, watercolor papers, and canvas. I explore the ways that different combinations of media will work on a new surface. This experimentation with different media combinations always leads to new discoveries and methods for artistic expression. I begin each new piece with a specific idea, but I allow the piece to evolve as I go. My prefered mediums are charcoal, watercolor, oil paint, oil pastels, and india ink. Research is essential to my process. After I find imagery, I rely on my aesthetic sensibility to mesh with the intellectual aspect of my subject matter. Although each piece may begin as a scientific photograph, my use of color, and expressive mark-making keeps each piece personal. I aim to elevate the structure so that it has emotional impact, rather than just appearing as a scientific illustration.
Overall, my work is inspired by the human form, its strengths and weaknesses, and the lasting impact that things we cannot see have on individual lives and those left in their wake.
RESUME
Education
2016 - University of Alabama in Huntsville — Bachelor of Fine Arts - Painting and Drawing - Magna Cum Laude
2010 - Calhoun Community College - Associate of Arts and Science - Magna Cum Laude
2010 - Calhoun Community College - Associate of Arts - Magna Cum Laude
Exhibitions
2016 In The Wake, Union Grove Gallery, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, Solo Exhibition
2016 Annual Juried Student Art Show, Wilson Hall Gallery, University of Alabama in Huntsville. Huntsville, AL
(Juror: Eli J. VandenBerg)
2014 Annual Juried Student Art Show, Wilson Hall Gallery, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL
(Juror: Steve Miller)
2014 UAH Annual Holiday Show and Sale, Charger Union, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL
2013 Annual Juried Student Art Show, Wilson Hall Gallery, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL
(Juror: Dr. Jinsook Kim)
2013 UAH Annual Holiday Show and Sale, Salmon Library Gallery, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL
2013 Athens Hospital Gala, Silent Auction, Athens, Alabama
2012 Featured Artist at Dinner In the Orchard, Isom’s Orchard, Athens, Alabama
Academic Awards and Honors
2013-2015 Shelbie J. King Scholarship
2013-2015 Lella C. and Frank H. Bromberg Scholarship
2013 Women’s Studies Outstanding Emerging Woman Artist, Annual Juried Student Show, Wilson
Gallery, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL (Juror: Dr. Jinsook Kim)
Organizations
2015 - Present Private Tutor - Drawing and Painting basics for special needs children
2013 - 2014 University of Alabama in Huntsville Student Art Club President
2014 - 2015 University of Alabama in Huntsville Student Art Club Secretary
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Kappa Pi International Honorary Art Fraternity
Sigma Alpha Pi National Society of Leadership and Success
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society
Skills
Lithography, intaglio and relief processes, Photoshop and Illustrator, Gallery/Curator responsibilities, photo editing and restoration
Education
2016 - University of Alabama in Huntsville — Bachelor of Fine Arts - Painting and Drawing - Magna Cum Laude
2010 - Calhoun Community College - Associate of Arts and Science - Magna Cum Laude
2010 - Calhoun Community College - Associate of Arts - Magna Cum Laude
Exhibitions
2016 In The Wake, Union Grove Gallery, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, Solo Exhibition
2016 Annual Juried Student Art Show, Wilson Hall Gallery, University of Alabama in Huntsville. Huntsville, AL
(Juror: Eli J. VandenBerg)
2014 Annual Juried Student Art Show, Wilson Hall Gallery, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL
(Juror: Steve Miller)
2014 UAH Annual Holiday Show and Sale, Charger Union, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL
2013 Annual Juried Student Art Show, Wilson Hall Gallery, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL
(Juror: Dr. Jinsook Kim)
2013 UAH Annual Holiday Show and Sale, Salmon Library Gallery, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL
2013 Athens Hospital Gala, Silent Auction, Athens, Alabama
2012 Featured Artist at Dinner In the Orchard, Isom’s Orchard, Athens, Alabama
Academic Awards and Honors
2013-2015 Shelbie J. King Scholarship
2013-2015 Lella C. and Frank H. Bromberg Scholarship
2013 Women’s Studies Outstanding Emerging Woman Artist, Annual Juried Student Show, Wilson
Gallery, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL (Juror: Dr. Jinsook Kim)
Organizations
2015 - Present Private Tutor - Drawing and Painting basics for special needs children
2013 - 2014 University of Alabama in Huntsville Student Art Club President
2014 - 2015 University of Alabama in Huntsville Student Art Club Secretary
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Kappa Pi International Honorary Art Fraternity
Sigma Alpha Pi National Society of Leadership and Success
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society
Skills
Lithography, intaglio and relief processes, Photoshop and Illustrator, Gallery/Curator responsibilities, photo editing and restoration