Artist Statement

     I have always admired art and aspired to create it. I found if I practiced and wasn't afraid to step outside of my safety zones that I could improve my techniques and styles. So I kept working at it.
     In high school I became interested in tattoo art. I started researching and studying the great tattoo artists of yesterday and today. Taking a little from what I was learning, I continued to grow and evolve as an artist. When I graduated I found my way in to a circle of artists in Syracuse NY. We worked together, showing our art and inspiring each other. I also had earned an associates degree in art and had started my BA in fine art.
     I was 1 year away from my BA when an opportunity arose for a tattoo apprentiship. I took it. It was everything I had wanted to do and the money was great. After years of tattooing, I started a family and am now furthering my education and working towards the BA I should have finished years ago.
     I incorporate art in my everyday life. My favorite medium is paint. I use acrylic, but also love oil and watercolors, however, do not have a space for the mess and required drying time. I love to experiment with different size and shape brushes, paint mixtures and textures. If you ask me what my favorite color is, I will tell you, ALL of them!
     I draw inspiration from everywhere. I like aesthetically pleasing art, and tattoo inspired art. I appreciate color usage and have been working on bettering my use of light source. I think it makes all the difference in a piece of art, adding depth and dimension.
     I plan out my art before hand by sketching out my ideas. I use these as a guide, that I sometimes stray from, because you never know where your art will take you. I almost never consider one of my paintings finished. I can fool with it for all of eternity. But at some point, I look at it and feel that if I add anymore, it might look overdone. Less is more after all.
     When you view my artwork over this semester, I would like honest critique, and I hope to see an overall improvement from start to finish, as I learn and grow, digitally =)