I find it fascinating that we each have experiences that are unique and deeply personal, yet somehow understood by many.  This idea is the driving force in my work.  I combine individual portraiture and universal archetypes.

Collaboration ignites my imagination and work.  I ask my sitters to select an archetype that reflects a meaningful moment in their life using tarot cards, fairytales, or mythology as reference.  They describe for me why a particular archetype is uniquely relevant to them.  Through their physical gesture and personal stories they become authentic participants in my work.  I compose my work using their story, along with literary interpretations of their selected archetype.

Working in mixed media allows me rip, tear, and distress my work.  I want my work to feel old, timeless, handled, and used.    I want it to feel like a story that I’ve heard somewhere before.   Although the portrait and imagery may be contemporary, I want the overall archetype to feel timeless.    

Prior to my career as an artist, I worked in brand marketing.  There is no question that mass marketed brands have a strong hold on me.  Use of packaged goods or pop culture reference confuses the time context of my work.  Old symbols can be replaced with contemporary icons or imagery.  The possibilities are exciting.