THE ARTIST

ARTIST STATEMENT

I describe myself as an intuitive artist. It doesn’t matter the medium, I’ve always been one to follow a feeling over a shot list or a creative brief. This has generally boded well for me as the mediums I am most passionate about are performative. Dance was my first love, followed by an intense passion for musical theater. Singing followed suit but it wasn’t until photography joined the party that I was really lit on fire in a studio setting.

The majority of my adult career has been focused on photography and content creation for corporate brands and individuals. While learning the business and marketing side of things was a fun challenge, a decade later I’m finding myself searching for missing pieces through studio art again. Photographing for others led to burnout. The joy was completely gone.

After soul searching and coming to terms with myself and my sexuality during quarantine, I’ve been able to realize that the reason why I felt incomplete was because I lost sight of my true passions along the way. The things that bring me the most joy were cast into boxes labeled “hobbies for a rainy day,” not things that I should focus on that would bring me joy and also make me a living. I started painting and dancing again.

Now, I find myself 6 years sober, proudly out to my friends, family and the public; I’m putting myself and my art as the top priority for the first time ever. I’m tapping back into that intuitive space and channeling it as part of my creative process. I can’t help but dance around the canvas while I paint, looking down to realize how many experiences are pouring out of me onto the canvas, like colorful, subconscious therapy.

I create to remind myself that I’m okay. I create to remind myself that I’m worthy.

I create to reach out to others in hopes that they feel less alone. I create to give space for empathy and understanding.

I create because life is an insane journey and sometimes creating is the only thing that makes sense.

Follow that feeling.

Education

1992-2002 | Maine State Ballet - Westbrook, ME

2002-2011 | Casco Bay Movers - Portland, ME

Up Beat Feet dance company - 4 years

2002-2004 | Children’s Theater of Maine - various productions - Portland, ME

2004 | Bates Dance Festival - Summer Intensive - Lewiston, ME

2012 | Gettysburg College - BA in English, Concentration in Studio Art

TA for Photography 101 (Film) - 2 semesters