About

Statement

I am very interested in the concept of identity. More specifically, I’m interested
in exploring the perspective of identity. We all have a personal identity. A name; first
middle and last, a social security number, a finger print, etc. that tell others who we are,
specifically.
As unique as our personal or inner identity may be, there also exists an assigned
identity. This is how we are labeled, arranged, categorized, classified, and identified by
others, as a group. There are physical, racial, ethnic, sexual and religious/spiritual
identities, among many others.
It is within the grouping of individuals that we lose a real sense of our specific,
personal identity. And an especially harmful hindrance is the stereotype. The assumed
or perceived identity is dangerous because it offensive, fosters ignorance, misinforms. I
have been incorporating common stereotypical imagery in to work. In essence, to use the
power of those horrifically misguided images against themselves.
It is my intent to continue to explore the complex nature of identity, private v.
public, individual v. collective, personal v. assigned, and the stereotype.

Biography

For as long as I can remember, I have been creating art. The scribbles on the walls and floors of my childhood home were evidence of such. Throughout my scholastic career, teachers of every subject (other than art) were prompted to offer encouragement in the form of phrases like, 'put the drawing away and focus!" As many other artists might attest, the passion to create art is unstoppable!

Initial inspiration came in the form of an elementary art teacher, Mr. Jury (Weymouth Elementary School). The spark provided by my first art education experience fueled a passion for further exploration. Along the way, I was guided further by the capable hands of Mr. Toyzan (Charlotte Junior High School), and Mr. Simpson (Charlotte High School). After graduation, the pursuit of artistic knowledge led me to Henry Ford College (Dearborn, MI), followed by attendance at Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti, MI) where I earned Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Master of Arts degrees.

My artistic path ultimately led full-circle, back to the world of education. I have been provided the opportunity to facilitate elementary art experiences since 2006. While making intermittent efforts to sustain my own artistic endeavors, I intend to continue to inspire (a la Mr. Jury) future generations to think/create/grow...