ARTIST STATEMENT
Think of me as a San Francisco–based cave-painter of the digital age—a contemporary expressionist scribbling for future archaeologists and any confused present-day visitors. I’ve always felt like the world’s most polite outsider, so I paint to make sense of my insane take on life. My brushes are like breadcrumbs for my future self—or anyone else who thought, “What on earth was going on here?” 🎨
.I create portrait and cultural paintings rooted in personal history and social awareness. As a child, I found in art not only praise but a way to voice pain and examine injustice and taboo. This introspection led to early works like The Working Women Series, which exposed gender inequities in women’s professions, followed by darker explorations in Women Aging and Reproduction. Seeking light, I shifted focus to The Natives Are Winning, then turned to Bay Area scenes, people, and vibrant—as well as lucrative—subjects like artichokes.
My passion remains people and culture, best expressed through musicians. A pivotal moment was painting Jimi Hendrix—spontaneously inspired during a Woodstock documentary—which awakened my fascination with musical energy. In portraying Lead Belly, his joyous expression revealed more than his prison garb concealed. Musicians like punk band Seven Year Bitch and Carlos Santana exemplify cultural rebellion and fusion—ideal subjects for exploring identity and collaboration.
I welcome spontaneous inspiration—Grace Jones emerged when I planned to paint Lady Gaga—and I’m continually energized by the endless creativity, expression, and cultural dialogue musicians bring. My paintings rock.
BIO
Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, I had a picture-perfect childhood—until the unimaginable happened. At eight, my little brother passed away from a brain aneurism, flipping my world upside-down. With no space to talk it out, I learned to bottle it in—and painted my way out instead. Art became my survival kit.
After just a year of college, I escaped to California, eventually earning a B.A. in Art/Photography from SFSU and an M.A. in Inter Arts. I’m also the proud mom of two incredible daughters—my greatest creative achievements.
In 2000, I launched my first show at my home. I sent out invites featuring a bold self-portrait and ceremoniously shaved my head—because dedication (and scalp ventilation).
From 2000 to 2018, I hustled—selling handmade goods at Oakland First Fridays, farmers markets, Treasure Island, and the Ferry Building—while secretly dreaming of my easel. My paintings have been showcased at several San Francisco galleries (see list below), though I admit, I get attached. Once, someone touring “Hendrix” asked if I’d misspelled “humanoids”—a delightful dyslexic twist that made the piece uniquely mine. That charming mistake? Pure collector gold.
Art is my product—and business is its dance. Every sale fuels more painting, and more painting fuels joy. Intrigued? Let’s chat—Email me at [email protected] 😊