Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be an artist. It began when I was in third-grade. It was there, that my teacher complimented me on my artwork, and suggested to my parents that I take art lessons.  Not too long after that, it seems, I was attending classes at a local art studio in Kankakee, IL.  My love for art continued into high school, where I enrolled in as many art classes as I possibly could.  

After attending high school in Bradley, IL, it was clear to me that I wanted to attend art school.  My parents suggested that I work for a year, make some money, and then decide what I “really” wanted to do. Not having any interest to pursue another field, I enrolled at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, in various evening classes.  Working in a related field during the day, I learned that I needed to incorporate my talent for art and creativity into something that would pay the bills on a consistent basis.

Working as a graphic designer, I switched to Columbia College, where I focused on marketing. By now, I had a good sense of the business world and graphic design. I felt the combination of these two professions made perfect sense for me, and my future.

Flashing forward twenty-some years later to 2007, a change in my life allowed me to spend more quality time with my two children. Looking for things to do to bond with them, something inside me said, “now is the time to begin doing what I have always dreamed of doing – paint.” Having seen the movie “Pollock” staring Ed Harris, several years prior, I began reading everything I could get my hands on about Jackson Pollock. The movement and energy of his “dripping” technique was something that I really connected with. Seeing this as the time to express myself through painting, this style was something that fit perfectly to where I am in life.

It was with “The Beginning” where my kids and I started this journey.  Since that first piece, my daughter and son have both created solo pieces shown on page 4, and I have found my true passion. And, like others, my style evolves from painting to painting.

While I had formal education in graphic design and marketing, I have been self-taught for the most part in modern art.

Ever since that day in September, I have been hooked on expressing my thoughts and feelings through my painting.  Creativity has been a huge part of who I am; it just took me a while to get to the artist stage of my life.  Now that I have discovered this passion, I will continue to become one with my painting, bringing energy into my work for years to come.

Like most artists, my paintings have a meaning. More importantly my work has movement. It doesn’t just sit on a wall, it says come inside, be energized, and see something new.