This is a statement on the evolution and development of my “current” body of work including works from the past, some from the present, and the projected future ones. I grew up in southern Maine- where I started with project boxes full of misc. materials from the dollar store, coloring books, and collections of small things. I appreciated a good project, even at a young age, and would try vigorously to make things more complicated and elaborate than they had to be or were planned to be. As I grew older I began to draw floor plans of my bedroom on graph paper and made my doll house into a rather expensive interior design project… In early elementary school I remember Ms. Bovie, Georgia O’Keeffe renditions and design oriented paintings using repeated shapes and colors. Later I began to keep composition notebooks full of what I call “these conglomerate drawings”, which were done in pencil on lined paper and were created from imagination. Following this phase came stipple and the first introduction of the elements and principles of design. Then painting. Later jewelry making, specifically earrings which flourished recently into Simples, my very own line of simple and delicate earrings, just $5 a pair! Following that was, Regional Fine Arts and the Hat project. Where I had my first sculpture experience and made a series of hats from various recyclable materials. Then from 2004-2008 I attended the University of Vermont, where I studied Studio Art and Art History. During my time there I became extremely interested in the functions and processes of the Fleming Museum and made working there a supplemental experience to my education. I had the opportunity to develop a variety of skills as well as interact with other artists, curators, and mentors- which enabled me to further my own body of work and artistic career. Specifically my developing interest in site specific installations, cataloging and overall exhibition presentation. In 2008 I graduated from UVM and decided to stay in Vermont to utilize and surround myself with the networks and friends that I had created over the past four years. Since early 2009 I have been a resident artist at Borough Studio & Gallery, which I share with Shawna Cross and Jodi Whalen. It is here where I have given myself the flexibility to incorporate all that I have learned and am interested in exploring. Each experience that I have spoken about has been a stepping stone in developing the map of the skills that I have gained over my lifetime from a variety of projects and activities I have been involved in. Each turn that I make, a new series of work develops. Every time I encounter a new and exciting medium or technique, I put it to use and inevitably create something original. Currently I am learning Adobe Photoshop for Creative Output and looking for a workshop mentor, in order to build my knowledge of hardware, tools and technique, and overall woodworking skills… just to take it to the next level and allow myself to further my own education.
