Where Are You From?
Currently residing in San Diego, California. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs. The difference in culture and environment is radically different. Moving out of the Midwest helped to open my eyes and fueled my creativity. I’ve grown to love California for it’s environmentalism, positive vibes and vibrant mixed culture. The art scene here is flourishing and has really helped me to decode my own sense of direction and style in my art.
You mentioned that returning to painting was “a defining moment” after pursuing other creative interests for years. What sparked that pivotal decision to pick up the paintbrush again?
I was in a dark place for a very long time and had lost most of my sense of self. Luckily, I had always stayed creative in some form which acted as an outlet to later facilitate my re-emergence into fine art. Around 2021 I purchased a handful of acrylic craft-grade paints and brushes to play around with and went after this idea of creating small-scale artwork for sale through my Etsy store just to help generate some income on the side and to try my hand at something long forgotten. It was a playful act in a serious, post-covid world. What actually happened was the flood gates opened. I hadn’t painted since sometime after I graduated art school. It had been probably 13 years and I had to relearn everything! Quickly, painting became an act of rebellion against the crushing traumas I endured in my previous years. Those hours of peace and focus trained me to look inward and to listen for the subtle whispers of my own inner voice. I was becoming me again. Healed and alive with ideas.
You started a creative business in 2017 before returning to fine art. How did your experience in design and marketing influence your approach to building an art career?
I never gave up my creativity. I couldn’t. It just found a way to manifest itself in various mediums. Owning a business builds your ability to plan, analyze and problem solve. Those are skills that definitely carry over into any profession, including fine art. I think it actually made me quite good at sourcing materials for my work from frames to panels and everything in between. It showed me how to use social media to create a brand and personal mission. The amount of fortitude and discipline needed to not only launch a business but to sustain it forces you to be your best self.
