Where are you from originally?
I was born in Western Massachusetts and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
What is your medium?
Oil and acrylic paints.
How has Buffalo influenced your work?
Well, it is an inspiring place and a great place if you are an artist. Whether in the city or in the country, there is so much beauty. The people are warm, friendly. The whole scene is great – lots of great energy.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I am inspired by the places that I go to and my experiences in these places – The memories of places and people. Things that are real; things that are imagined. But, most of all, I am inspired by the feelings that I experienced while being in that place and at that point in time.
Name an artist (or more) that most inspires you?
Bonnard, Van Gogh
What is your preferred subject matter?
The outdoors – landscapes filled with emotion and feeling.
How do you feel you can best advance to the next level, or are you most happy where you are now?
There is so much opportunity for growth. I would like to increase the scale of my work but have space limitations at the moment with my current studio.
What is another medium that you would like to learn? Or that you have already learned?
I would also someday like to explore doing installation art – I have some ideas but, again, space limitations are an issue.
Is there a purpose to your artwork?
Yes – I want you as the viewer to feel exactly how I feel when experiencing a certain place at a specific point in time. I want to take you to that place and time to feel those emotions and that energy.
How often do you work on your art?
I have a lot of other exciting responsibilities in my life as well – my career, my family, and some other activities. Weekends are typically my time to focus on my art.
What or who first prompted you to venture into the art world?
A friend of mine who is also an artist – we started sketching together some years ago during lunch breaks. Then, she introduced me to this art gallery and community of artists down in East Aurora. It was during a trip to the South of France with this family of artists and friends that really inspired me to paint. The passion for painting started in France and continued after this trip – I have not been able to stop since.
Have you been schooled in art? Are you planning on attending art school? If so, where?
No. Basically self taught. I have a couple of degrees, but none are in art.
Where is your favorite venue in Buffalo to exhibit?
I am grateful to all of the galleries and local establishments who have supported and admired my work.
Where is your current/next show in the city? Dates? Opening night?
Ann Peterson, owner of Mundo Images, has agreed to show my work in her fabulous gallery at 500 Franklin Street in Buffalo. You will love this gallery – Please stop by. The show opens June 1st from 6pm – 9pm and runs through the end of July.
What is the title and theme of the show/s?
“Places – Real and Imagined”: This exhibit illustrates the places that I have experienced in my life, and perhaps you have been to some of these destinations too. This show invites you to join me in these places that I have visited either in reality, in my imagination, or through memories. My vibrant and lively paintings will move you and bring you into my world. Through my work, I aspire to take you to these places and to feel exactly what I felt at that location, at that exact moment.
Where did you learn your craft?
Just by doing, exploring, experimenting, pushing myself….
What book are you reading right now?
I just found this gently used book called “The Cape Cod Lighter” – I started reading it the other day.
What’s your favorite movie?
“Tommy Boy”
“Uncle Buck”
“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles”
“Big”
“Under the Tuscan Sun”
“Baby Boom”
So many movies that I love….
What’s your favorite restaurant in Buffalo?
My new favorite place for lunch is Sinful Restaurant on Delaware Avenue. Delicious, fresh, and homemade food and the most amazing artwork on the walls!
What’s the best thing about being an artist?
I can be myself openly and freely.
What’s the worst thing about being an artist?
Lots of work, lots of ideas and not enough space or time.
Is there another local artist who you would like us to interview?
What question would you ask him/her?
I would ask her some of the same questions. She is great!
Support our local artists. Here are a few more Art Buffs to brush up on:
Elisabeth Strong, Michael Mulley, Patricia Schwimmer, Mikel Doktor, Jerome Greenberg, Elizabeth Leader, Jacqueline Welch, Doreen DeBoth, Joe Cascio, Candace Masters, Iris Kirkwood, Lukia Costello, Michael Morgulis, Julie Leatherbarrow, Chris Liberti, Michael Mararian, Daniel Rodgers, Bruce Adams, Ken Payne, Christina Cooke, Elise Anne Brooks, Frank Cravotta, Jackie Albarella, Gary Melius,Melissa Campbell, Jeff Quigley