Q&A
What are your most valued skills as an artist?
I would have to say it’s my intuition. I listen to my inner voice as to what feels right in a painting. Empathy and sensitivity for my subject play a big role as does my use of light and keen observation which give me the ability to describe form.
How has your education helped you in your career?
My education has had a huge impact on my skill to paint! I spent many hours at art school learning about the human form and principles of drawing. I was fortunate enough to study at The Lyme Academy of fine art under master figurative artists like Deane G. Keller and Dan Gheno. Also, several workshops with Aaron Shikler and with Harvey Dinnerstein at the Art Students League of NY. They taught me the “grammar” of art so that I could go on to express what I now want to say. Having said all this, I am forever learning.
Tell me about a time you received negative comments or harsh criticism. How did you handle it?
Criticism is always going to be there. I even find myself to be my harshest critic! The act of painting is largely a mental game. I find that stepping away from my work has been most helpful. Sometimes, I take a few days to just ponder my work and then get back on track remembering what initially inspired me to begin the work in the first place.
Which art trends inspire your current work?
Because I rely so much on my intuition when I paint, I rarely find myself following trends.
For me, I find it disingenuous to try to force something that isn’t who I am. I don’t believe in using any “gimmicks” when it come to something as sacred to me as my art. I believe that the mere act of being who one truly is as a unique individual, will set each of us apart in the most natural genuine way.
I feel it’s also important to look at other artists’ work that is of a completely different style, that it might serve me well to try new things and step out a little from my comfort zone. I can find inspiration in that.
What was your first experience of working as a professional artist?
One of the earliest recollections of working as a professional artist happened a few years after art school when I was approached by another artist who was commissioned to paint a large mural in downtown New London where I lived. The painting would incorporate five figures about 40 feet high that the artist had apprehensions to execute. I saw it as an incredible opportunity and tackled it with gusto climbing rows of scaffolding and feeling like Michelangelo! I relied heavily on my knowledge of human anatomy and hundreds of hours of experience working from the live model to paint the human form at such a large scale. It was a great experience as an artist although fueled with controversy over the content of nudity, and the fact that the man who asked me to paint it took responsibility for my work. It was a real introduction to what it’s like for a female artist.
What's the purpose or goal of your work?
My goal is to connect to people on a deeper level. To get under the surface and focus on our shared humanity.
