ABOUT ME
I was born in Sterling Heights, MI, spending most of my childhood in Fenton, MI. From an early age I’ve always been crafty and artistic and spent my middle school years drawing teen bop fan art. After high school, I received my B.F.A. from Kendall College or Art and Design, majoring in Illustration. Later, I attended Eastern Michigan University where I earned a Masters in Arts in Arts Administration.
From there, I went on to participate in countless grassroots Detroit art battles, exhibitions and group shows. I then joined the Army where I was pulled from my unit to produce graphic design. I then worked at several fabrication shops including wood/faux finishing for designer brand furniture. In 2018, I started doing shows again as a solo artist. Founding Artistmia LLC in 2020, I’ve done everything from small flea markets to large-scale events such as Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair.
Since getting out of the Army, I’ve really been able to hone in my style and message. My nautical inspired acrylic paintings on wood to promote marine-life conservation. My goal is to partner with a Marine-life Conservationist to further do my part for the planet.
ARTIST STATEMENT
It could be said that art is the heart and soul of human expression, for it is through art that we reach from within ourselves to touch the souls of humanity.
The canvas of coastal seascapes and the beauty of fragile aquatic ecosystems touched my soul, and it is through these wondrous expressions of nature that I hope my art enriches the lives of others. Through stunning interpretations of sea life, real and mythical, I hope to draw attention to the beauty, mystery, and fragility of the vibrant world of underwater life. By bringing that world to life, I hope to draw others towards the love that has so greatly influenced my life and influence the protection and conservation of this other-worldly existence. Being drawn to the smooth, hardened texture of wood, the variety of grain patterns and shading provides a clearly unique canvas for each piece I create, typically on salvaged wood cut and sanded to size.
Combining the simple, stunning beauty of the wood, I use acrylic paints to capture a bright, vibrant essence and give justice to the sacrifice of nature provided to me.