BIO FROM THE ARTIST

I have a bachelor's degree in studio arts from Sage College of Albany.

Since a young age, I've always loved drawing. I had many great influences in my life that have developed my talents to where they are today. My grandfather was an amazing painter. I remember just staring at this one painting of a barn that hung in their den. There was something about the way the shading and shadows made the painting come to life. The delicacy of the grass in the hay field and the ridged hardness of the stone wall will be forever engrained in my memories.

My Uncle was also one of my greatest influences. In college, I can remember my first day of painting class being asked who our favorited artists were. As we went around the room people would say, Picasso, Monet, and so on. I said, "My Uncle." His paintings I've always held on a pedestal. The accuracy in his drawing, the thoughtfulness of the compression and the photo-realness of the finished product.

My father always said, "Just remember, you may be good, but there is someone out there who is better." This wasn't said to hold me back, but to push me forward. To never settle with just being good. That saying has carried itself with me not only in relevance to my art, but in my life as well. It is also humbling to the soul.

I was also taught by my father to draw with out erasing. He said," Try to make your mistakes work," after taking the eraser off my pencil. This taught me to carefully plan my composition and think out my drawing before my pencil ever hit the paper. Though, I've found that sometimes the mistakes invite us to be more creative and as a result, expose beautiful results.

Lastly, I'll mention the amazing art program I was lucky enough to be a part of in Norwich, NY elementary schools. Twice a week I would be able to go to an art enrichment class instead of recess. The teacher chose students based on their ability and interest. There were only maybe 5 of us in the class at a time but I remember that being a strong influence in blossoming my passion for the arts.

Today, I am a mother and I hope to transcend the same love and passion of art to my son.