Artist Introduction
Welcome to my website. I hope that you enjoy the work that you see here and please contact me with any questions or interest in my process. It has been an unusual journey getting to this artistic place. I want to explain that below.
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, surrounded by a big city but with the comfort of a stable, suburban life. My love for art started early—so early, in fact, that by the age of six, I won a local art contest. It was one of those small, but significant, moments that hinted at the artistic journey I would later embark upon.
Art seems to run in my blood. My great-grandfather was once the director of the famed Victoria and Albert Museum in London. My Dad followed his own artistic path, once studying at the Art Institute of Chicago. Even with these artistic influences, I initially took a different route, earning four degrees from Ivy League schools that all led me to a career public health/pediatric research and education. Art was always there in the background, waiting for that moment to take center stage in my life. As responsibilities shifted and I found more time, I dived headfirst into the world of art.
My work blends minimalism with Asian aesthetics, a harmonious blend that I’ve been passionately exploring for the past fifteen years. Along with this, I’m deeply involved with encaustic and fresco techniques. I love using top-quality materials, with beautiful color and feel, that transform my studio into a vibrant, creative space. Painting feels like a dance to me—it’s about movement as much as it is about brushstrokes on canvas.
The style I’ve developed is a mix of Asian brush painting, the rich texture of encaustics, and the solid base of frescoes. One memorable project was a heartfelt tribute to my Irish grandmother from the 1850s, combining my imagination, some knowledge of history and my Chinese brush techniques.
Inspiration comes from many places—artists like Paul Klee, John Marin, Cheng Khee Chee, Steven Quiller, and Frederica Marshall have left their mark on my work. Connecting with art communities is important to me, and I’m proud to be a member of groups like the Allied Artists of America, Sumi-e Society of America, South County Art Association and the Mystic Museum of Art. My artwork has been exhibited in venues such as the Providence Art Club, Salmagundi Club of New York, and Lyme Art Association, receiving both recognition and awards over the last eighteen years. Recently, a special moment for me was earning a Certificate of Special Recognition from the Governor of Rhode Island for an exhibition at the State House.
Outside the art world, I’m actively involved in environmental causes. I’m an invited artist supporter of Save the Bay in Rhode Island and serve as a sustaining docent at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. My past career in public health and pediatric research gives me a broader perspective on life, fueling my belief in the power of art to offer new viewpoints—something essential for freedom in any society.
Looking toward the future, I’m dedicated to growing my artistic presence and making art a force for insight and liberation. Through my paintings, I strive to empower those who seek freedom of thought and a fresh perspective on the world.