Where do you live?
Mount View, a seaside community in the north end of North Kingstown
How long have you been a member?
Forever, I originally was a member long before we had the gallery and was one of the first artists to have a two person show in the “new “gallery. I moved out of state but rejoined the gallery when I moved back to R I in 2014. I was in one of the first shows in Gallery.
Do you currently volunteer?
I really enjoy volunteering at the Festival. I previously chaired the Festival Scholarship committee, receiving work and managing the raffle at the festival.
How long have you been a JAM?
Newly elected to juried artist.
How would you describe your artwork?
Mixed media collage and acrylic both on paper and canvas. I love to work on illustration board and very wet. I enjoy creating energy, movement and texture in my work. I mainly paint seascapes and abstracts.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Nature, particularly the ocean, I also enjoy finding inspiration for abstracts from the natural world around me. There are paintings and compositions everywhere, you just have to look.
What is the most important thing that you want viewers to take away from your artwork?
That my approach to art is particular and personal to me. My work is creatively personal with confident execution. I like to have texture and movement in my paintings. I want you to know that it is MY painting.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I was in a traditional oil painting class in Wickford taught by Barbara Besson Delannoy, a very talented watercolorist. She could see I was struggling in a class that was basically, still life and realism. She told me that my approach to painting, the way I see things, was unique to me. To be myself and create my art in my way. She was very influential in my success as a painter. I owe my confidence in painting my way to her.
What is the most important skill you should have as an artist?
Originality and creativity. Technical skill is fine but, without imagination, you are one of many. ‘Be yourself!’
What is your favorite thing about the Wickford Art Association/ about being a member/Favorite Beach, Food?
WAA was the first gallery I ever showed in. Being that I live in North Kingstown I consider it my home gallery. My favorite place is Beavertail in Jamestown, it was there that I first painted the ocean and it remains the inspiration for many of my seascapes. I love the rugged, rocky shore and the power of the sea crashing onto it. Serenity is never the theme for my seascapes.
On a personal note, people that know me know my great love for horses particularly my palomino, Cowboy who also happens to live in Wickford. I feel I walk two paths, artist and “cowgirl” 🙂 or should I say ride. There is no better way to see and appreciate nature than on the back of a horse.
What do you enjoy most about your artistry/being an artist?
Being an artist is a license to be a little different and get away with it. Seriously, creating artwork is a very personal thing, when people appreciate your work and want to have it in their homes it is a very special validation of your talent and vision of the world as you see it.
Do you have any upcoming shows?
I am a juried member of the Artists Co-operative Gallery of Westerly. My work is always on display there. Our show theme changes monthly. I was a featured artist this past July. I also show consistently at The Plymouth Art Center in MA. I am co-chair of ACGOW’s biggest show of the year. The Regional Exhibit that was held in April this year. My focus was on the success of that show. The Regional is an invitational, juried show with over $3,000 in prizes.