“Art
enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Thomas
Merton
I have been an artist all my
life, I remember collecting sketchbooks as a youth and my parents enrolling me
in all kinds of different art classes. It is where I felt most comfortable and
in control. All of that practice led me to art school (FIT – NYC BFA in
illustration) and continuing my practice as the years went by and life
happened.
I
went back to school after my four children had reached a certain age, in order
to satisfy my creative side as well as be involved in a helping profession that
served others. I found that through the Art Therapy and Counseling program at
Ursuline College. Not only does this profession help with the mental health of
others, but it encourages self-care and sustaining individual creativity. In
other words, I can heal others and also satisfy my own self expression.
My subject is the figure. I am fascinated by the shapes, lines and
colors that make up the human figure. The figure in its environment. How it
fits, how it reacts, what colors embody both of those elements. I am a mixed
media artist, using objects, papers, different paints and materials to tell the
story of a person or group of people in their environment. I find that this is
a good way to process the service learning trips I have been on where I have
traveled with a group of Art Therapist to places like El Salvador, Zimbabwe
Africa and the Cheyenne River Reservation in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. After
completing these trips and working with the people there, I am able to create
paintings about how it felt to be there, the people who had a great impact on me,
the life and the land that I was exposed to. It is a humbling experience when
strangers from another country let you into their lives and share their story.
I hope that shows through my artwork.
I work full time as an Art Therapist at Julie Billiart School – a K-8
school for special needs children. I
encourage the children to express themselves, think out of the box, try new
things, sensory play, social skills, collaborative play and community
involvement. They amaze me every day with their unique imaginations and courage
as they try to help themselves and others. I also see private clients at the
Fine Arts Association and hopefully, soon, at my studio in the Matchworks
Building. I am a big advocate of community based art – working together to
build and strengthen community while creating a beautiful collaborative piece.
It is a non-threatening way to give back, get involved or find a safe space
within a group of like minded people.
Upcoming events – I have been invited to be a part of the New York
Studio Schools Drawing Marathon in June. This is a two week intensive drawing
workshop that is shared among twenty artists.
The drawing is every day from 9am – 6pm with critiques in the evening
from 7pm – 9pm. I am excited and nervous (and exhausted!) just thinking about
it!
I will also be a part of a group show at Stella’s Gallery - Size
Matters! In June, reception Friday June8th.
Please come visit my studio and the
gallery at Stella’s in the Matchworks Building! Until then, I will see you
around Cleveland at all of the art events, please stop and say hi!
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