I am a Baltimore-born, Midwest and New England raised, current Harrisburg resident. My days are filled with teaching art at Carlisle High School and making my own work on the side. There are three distinct facets that make up my philosophy as an artist and art educator:
1. Art is for everyone. I strive to create work that incorporates themes or images that are familiar and that anyone can connect to. I enjoy taking everyday objects or scenes and transforming them into fun, colorful compositions – thereby forcing viewers to experience something ordinary in a new way.
2. Art should spark joy. Don’t get me wrong, I love broody, dark, introspective pieces that are laced with emotion and despair. However, I want my work to make people feel happy. It is rather simple. Make images that make people smile. Or remember something wonderful. Or chuckle a little. I don’t need people to have a grand emotive response to my work. I just want them to feel a little lighter after looking at something I have created – as if it has come off the wall or canvas and given them a little pat on the back.
3. Art is powerful. I mean this in the sense that it brings people together in ways that I will never truly understand. The idea of multitudes of people looking at the same image and formulating their own personal, reactionary response is incredible to me. They all now share something that they did not share before. That is beautiful. That is community and connection. That is power.
1. Art is for everyone. I strive to create work that incorporates themes or images that are familiar and that anyone can connect to. I enjoy taking everyday objects or scenes and transforming them into fun, colorful compositions – thereby forcing viewers to experience something ordinary in a new way.
2. Art should spark joy. Don’t get me wrong, I love broody, dark, introspective pieces that are laced with emotion and despair. However, I want my work to make people feel happy. It is rather simple. Make images that make people smile. Or remember something wonderful. Or chuckle a little. I don’t need people to have a grand emotive response to my work. I just want them to feel a little lighter after looking at something I have created – as if it has come off the wall or canvas and given them a little pat on the back.
3. Art is powerful. I mean this in the sense that it brings people together in ways that I will never truly understand. The idea of multitudes of people looking at the same image and formulating their own personal, reactionary response is incredible to me. They all now share something that they did not share before. That is beautiful. That is community and connection. That is power.