About
I am driven to create, so I escape to my studio to savor the fragrance of wax, the rhythm and warmth of my torch, and the texture and rich colors possible with encaustic.
My paintings and sculptures evolve, even when I try to plan. I build up layers, then scrape them away, revealing a history. Then I add more wax. I experiment, construct, deconstruct, and redo until my art reveals my story.
I excavate stories, scars, and symbols and give them form with encaustic and mixed media. I work with encaustic because I am drawn to the smooth, glossy surface and the unpredictable and preservative nature of the medium.
The movement possible with hot wax and pigment is seductive and satisfying. I sculpt and paint with determination, passion, and with a spirit of exploration that I hope the viewer can feel in my art.
At age ten, I began private art study in South Carolina. Though my passion for art continued, I pursued a career in education and mental health. After many years working in those disciplines, I opened a needlework business, taught needle arts, and designed children’s clothing, quilts, embroidery, and needlepoint. I also began to study art again.
Moving to Los Osos, California in 2003, I continued my art study. Now I divide my time between family, music, creating, and teaching. I express my response to the world through the texture and intense colors possible with encaustic (wax, resin, and pigments), with mixed media applications that often include fiber.
My art has appeared in numerous exhibits, on magazine covers, and has been adapted for needlepoint. My articles and embroidery designs have appeared in Sew Beautiful magazine, and my essays have been published through SHE, a South Carolina magazine.
I am a member of the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, The Painters Group and Central Coast Sculpture Group of SLOMA, Morro Bay Art Association, Surface Design Association, and International Encaustic Artists. I am a gallery artist at Art Central Gallery in San Luis Obispo, CA.
Representation
Art Central Gallery
1329 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA - since 2013
Selected Exhibitions
2018
Jewelbox, group exhibit for The Painters Group, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, San Luis Obispo, CA
Windows to Other Worlds, featured artist, Art Center Morro Bay, Morro Bay, CA
Original Women's Narrative (OWN), group exhibition, California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA
2017
Wax and Wine, solo exhibition, Baker and Brain, Los Osos, CA
On and Off the Wall, juried group exhibition, Art Center Morro Bay, Morro Bay, CA
Fragments, juried group exhibition, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, San Luis Obispo, CA
Phantom Project, pop up juried and invitational exhibits, San Luis Obispo, CA
2016
Bloodlines, solo exhibit, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, San Luis Obispo, CA
Paint Your Passion, group exhibit of The Painters Group, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, San Luis Obispo, CA - Award of Excellence
Brushstrokes, group exhibit by The Painters Group of San Luis Obispo Museum of Art hosted by Art Center Morro Bay, Morro Bay, CA
Solo exhibit, Taste Restaurant, San Luis Obispo, CA
Featured artist:
Fresno Art Hub, Fresno, CA
Sayva Gallery, Avila Beach, CA
2015
Passionate Women, Art Central Gallery, San Luis Obispo, CA
Beacon Art Show, juried exhibit, San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, San Luis Obispo, CA - Best of Show Award
Another Way of Keeping a Diary, International Encaustic Artists group exhibit, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, San Luis Obispo, CA
Rhythm and Hues, The Painters Group exhibit, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, San Luis Obispo, CA - Award of Merit
Featured artist, San Luis Obispo County Office of Education
2014
Solo exhibit, Top Dog Coffee Bar, Morro Bay, CA
Juried encaustic exhibit, Art Central Art Supply and Gallery
Solo exhibit, Embassy Suites, San Luis Obispo, CA
Featured artist, Art Center Morro Bay, Morro Bay, CA
2013
Pyrogenesis, solo exhibit, Creekside Brewing Company, San Luis Obispo, CA
Torched, solo exhibit at Linnaea's Cafe, San Luis Obispo, CA
Fireworks, solo exhibit at San Luis Obispo County Library, San Luis Obispo, CA
Horizontal View, group exhibit of The Painters Group, San Luis Obispo, Museum of Art, San Luis Obispo, CA
2012
Spring Fling, The Painters Group exhibit, Art Center Morro Bay, Morro Bay, CA
Edward Jones Exhibit, Los Osos, CA
Alphabet Show, The Painters Group exhibit, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, San Luis Obispo, CA
Phantom Show 2, Paso Robles, CA
Brushstrokes Juried Exhibit, Steynburg Gallery, San Luis Obispo, CA
2011
Brushstrokes juried exhibit, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, San Luis Obispo, CA
President's Invitational, group exhibit of The Painters Group, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, San Luis Obispo, CA
Guest featured artist, Gallery at Marina Square, Morro Bay, CA
Featured artist, Art Center Morro Bay, Morro Bay, CA