I love highlighting the sculptural qualities of faces in charcoal to remind viewers of the individual. Women confront the viewer with direct stares, defining themselves and taking ownership of their space. They wear their flesh like armor, owning their body and identity, reaffirming that they are not there for the male gaze.

In my youth, I stood face-to-face with a Van Gogh painting and was instantly mesmerized by his vibrant colors, drawn into the pathways of his brushstrokes. In my 20s, while creating sculptures, I naturally looked to Rodin for inspiration in capturing emotion in motion. In my more mature work, my influences range from the compelling figures of Lucian Freud to the gestural qualities of Mad Charcoal. I feel most in my element when creating figurative charcoals, adding dimension with colored chalks and inks. I use the sculptural qualities of charcoal to push and pull the figure from the page, while using pan pastels and inks to guide the viewer on a journey through the landscape of humanity.

I'm passionate about fostering community. Artists often work alone, but community helps keep creativity alive. I want to grow in my art, connect with the broader art world, and find my art tribe. I’m learning to network, putting myself and my work out into the world, and meeting new people. I’m also working with a networking coach to help me navigate social settings, as I identify as “Neuro-spicy.” My portraits are more than just faces—they capture moments in time, both forgotten and unforgettable.

Educated as a sculptor in Texas, I am currently exploring 2D art in my new home of Columbus, teaching myself charcoal.

Evocative