Educator /Artist
Seeing the deeper beauty in ordinary moments of time is what I strive to capture through my photography and paintings. I aim to share universal sentiments by portraying personal experiences—my wonder at the late afternoon light during a canyon hike in Utah, a foggy, bittersweet morning at the end of summer in Provincetown, or my grandmother’s quiet, certain posture. In each composition, whether a portrait or an abstract piece, I focus on one aspect that holds the essence of that person, place, or memory. Acrylic paint is my primary medium, and I love playing with texture and vibrant palettes to bring my vision to life.
After graduating from art school, I traveled and lived in Europe, searching for purpose. What I discovered was my love for being around children and art. That led me to teaching, initially as a stable career path. I began teaching visual arts by focusing on techniques, but it quickly became clear that for my students in a struggling inner-city school, art meant so much more. As I push them through self-doubt to complete projects, their confidence grows—not just in school but in their lives. If more adults maintained a creative passion, I think there would be no doubt about the value of arts education. Everyone would understand the power of creating, of owning something that is entirely theirs.
Teaching has renewed my passion for and commitment to my own art. When I entered the classroom 16 years ago, I became a student all over again. Guiding my students constantly challenges me to reflect, grow, and improve my craft. Most importantly, it reminds me to find inner peace and fulfillment in the act of creating.
On a personal note, the image of the cat you see throughout my website is Glimmer. I adopted her from an animal shelter, and she has become my loyal companion in the studio. Her quiet presence brings comfort and inspiration as I work.
As Pablo Picasso said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” This quote resonates deeply with me, as art has always been both my refuge and my way of connecting with the world.
