//FAQ's
// Art, Design, Commissions
Do you take commissions?
At present, my commissions are closed. I'm pretty passionate about freely expressing at the moment and am settled with my current pace after returning to my practice after a 2 year break from creativity and social media. Spots will be opening up in 2023. My newsletter peeps will be notified and have first dibs. Please join here or contact me to inquire.
Do you do custom graphic design work?
I don't. Graphic design isn't a focus within my business, aside from the abstract digital artwork I do and creating my own brand graphics. Nope, these days I only pull out those skills for me or my ride-or-dies. I sometimes miss doing invitations and design. If this ever changes, I will definitely make an announcement.
Are you open to project collaboration?
For sure, but's important that we share similar visions. If you are interested, contact me to get a conversation going.
Do you work with non-profits on donations or charity pieces?
I do. I'd like to work with organizations of shared values & missions. Please reach out to see if we are a good fit for partnership. Be sure to include any information that will help me quickly make an informed decision, such as your organization name, website, event details, date, purpose, goal, timeframes, contact info, etc. These pieces can be limited in number each year. If you are interested, inquire early for the best chance of nabbing a spot.
// Framing & Art Care
Does your art require framing?
It really does. Especially with the canvas panels I use.. They don't look fully finished and it's a bit of a bugger to hang well without them. The good news is, most of my work comes framed because of this. I felt it important enough to not only present a beautiful, complete piece, but also to remove the guessing for you. In the future, I currently offer natural or white wood frames, but am open to helping you source any frame style. Feel free to reach out.
Original paintings should not be in contact with glass or acrylic glaze (framing glass). Pieces that are sold framed are professionally mounted to preserve the work and protect from damage. Paintings that come unframed will either be matted and ready to frame or will include framing suggestions & tips.
Original paintings should not be in contact with glass or acrylic glaze (framing glass). Pieces that are sold framed are professionally mounted to preserve the work and protect from damage. Paintings that come unframed will either be matted and ready to frame or will include framing suggestions & tips.
How do I care for my art?
Artwork on canvas comes varnished to protect from the elements. Keep works out of harsh sunlight to prevent UV damage. Avoid water and extreme heat. Art can be dusted lightly with a clean cotton cloth. Avoid any cleaners. Care instructions are also included with purchase.
Artwork on paper is not varnished and requires proper framing for protection.
Artwork on paper is not varnished and requires proper framing for protection.
// Studio Visits
Can I visit your studio?
As much as I would love that, I work from home and don't have the right set-up for studio visits at present. Plus, my dogs would likely eat your face off. It's a big some-day goal to work from a studio conducive to visits. I'll absolutely send out invitations to my newsletter if that becomes an option. If you haven't yet, be sure to join my list to get word on that.
// Artist Journey
Did you go to art school?
I did. I studied visual communications at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA. My most successful class was composition; often referred to by the teacher as an example to follow. Go, me. Can't lie. Felt good every time. Art history was the worst. I left school with only a semester left until graduation. Hey, life. Everything beyond was self-study and investment in great courses and online education. As a "fine art painter", I am self taught and super proud of that.
Is that where you learned to paint & do graphic design?
Nope. I am self-taught in both. I learned graphic design first. Many moons ago, I worked for the YMCA and taught myself to use a desktop design program to make fun posters for the office. That evolved when I purchased Publisher and began designing at home for fun. From there, friends began asking me to design for them and I would make birthday cards, baby shower invitations, and event postcards. I later worked at a church as the Creative Director and for a Med-Spa (and other local businesses) designing higher level graphics for branding, events, services, and advertisements. For a short bit I had a stationery design studio for custom wedding and event invitations, but quickly became frustrated and overwhelmed at the custom process. It sucked the life from me and I bagged the whole thing.
Fun Fact: I still don't know how to use Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and the like. I solely design on basic desktop applications. My favorite was Publisher. Since switching to Apple forever ago, I now prefer Keynote and Pages. Folks are always amazed at what I can do with those basic programs. It's pretty insane. And I love the challenge deeply. It's all so vintage. I'm like the analog of design. Obsessed. I've recently been interested to learn Affinity programs. We'll see.
As for painting, that came in 2014 when I was spiraling into a complete meltdown. I was home alone one night, distraught and at the end of my rope. Out of sheer frustration and lunacy, I grabbed a TV tray, a stack of scrapbook paper, some cheap paint, and a FatHead brayer, went to town, and completely fell in love. 100% self taught in that. I learn as I go.
Fun Fact: I still don't know how to use Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and the like. I solely design on basic desktop applications. My favorite was Publisher. Since switching to Apple forever ago, I now prefer Keynote and Pages. Folks are always amazed at what I can do with those basic programs. It's pretty insane. And I love the challenge deeply. It's all so vintage. I'm like the analog of design. Obsessed. I've recently been interested to learn Affinity programs. We'll see.
As for painting, that came in 2014 when I was spiraling into a complete meltdown. I was home alone one night, distraught and at the end of my rope. Out of sheer frustration and lunacy, I grabbed a TV tray, a stack of scrapbook paper, some cheap paint, and a FatHead brayer, went to town, and completely fell in love. 100% self taught in that. I learn as I go.
// Process & Materials
What do your paintings mean? What do you think about when you paint?
Each painting begins with openness. Every roll, scrape, and stroke is an exhale of my feelings in the moment. I rely on THAT MOMENT'S honesty and let go, smudging it all out in the work. My marks are inspired by my childhood running the streets of the Boston city; grungy and gritty. My work means freedom and honesty. There is no representation of things we "know" - it's emotion, intuitively splayed out and open for interpretation. My hope is that you will take the time to sift through it for yourself....find your own honesty and tap into the feelings it gives you. This takes time. I encourage the time. I'm a champion of deep thought, questions, and ideas. The looseness of abstraction allows for all of this without forcing answers and solutions. The wonderings are enough.
I find this lack of control inspiring and beautiful.
I find this lack of control inspiring and beautiful.
Do you ever paint other styles? Anything non-abstract?
Abstract art is my total jam and I have no plans to veer from that lane. If my heart calls, I'll have a listen. For now, it's all of the gritty chaos of abstraction for me. That and some snarky doodles, geometrics, and various series - all with abstraction as the thread.
Why do you paint on boards over regular canvas?
I strongly prefer a hard work surface and have found even the most taut stretched canvas just doesn't do it for me. My marks go on aggressively and I need the rigidity to scrape, rub, and really dig into to get the effect I enjoy. It's rare, but I will sometimes choose the standard canvas depending on the project. Flat or cradled panel board is my go-to; next to paper and wood.
Do you ever teach or share your process?
Negative, other than a quick glimpse of paintings in progress on social media. teaching is not something I am passionate about or believe supports my business.
// Art Rights & Copyright
Who owns the rights to the artwork after purchase?
Before and after purchase, I retain all rights to the artwork I create, including all images of sold, original pieces. This is standard artist practice. Unless otherwise agreed upon (with full or partial rights being purchased by the collector), I retain all rights to make reproductions of any and all artwork I create - even after it is sold. To discuss the purchase of rights, please contact me.
PLEASE NOTE: Buyers/Collectors may not reproduce the artwork in any way without written, express permission from me. If the artwork is showcased, reproduced, and/or published in any magazine, trade publication, or other media, I require credit be listed and to be notified. As a collector, when you purchase original artwork, you have the right to display the artwork in your home or business, but it may not be reproduced or resold without my written permission. Thank you for respecting the work of artists.
PLEASE NOTE: Buyers/Collectors may not reproduce the artwork in any way without written, express permission from me. If the artwork is showcased, reproduced, and/or published in any magazine, trade publication, or other media, I require credit be listed and to be notified. As a collector, when you purchase original artwork, you have the right to display the artwork in your home or business, but it may not be reproduced or resold without my written permission. Thank you for respecting the work of artists.
Question on something I didn't cover?