Since returning to art making in 2017, my work has been inspired by the deep sea - a fascination I shared with my young daughter. We were mesmerized by the fantastical creatures and undulating movements of the sea creatures of Blue Planet. It felt fun and light and free as my anthropomorphised aquatic characters came to life, delighting my family and friends, and inspiring deeper connections.
The loss of my beloved mother earlier this year influenced an abrupt shift from the playful to the serious. I wanted to evoke a feeling. My creations became more watery. More blue. Using a shaper ink line. Suspended and floating. The result is a messy mix of all the feelings - both personally and universally, this batch of work reflects that we all experience isolation. But within that isolation, life continues. If you look closely you may see the household mundane of my daily life: eyelashes, twisted braids, faces, and crowns. When I'm working I try to meditate ... I set an intention before and silently work for hours. And sometimes, I skip all that and watch a few youtube cat videos, and for just a moment, I regain that feeling of fun and free and light.
I studied fine arts as an undergraduate at Yale University. I then went on to work as an assistant to a NYC based artist. Ultimately I felt I had nothing to say, no mastery of a skill, and I lacked confidence to pursue my dream as a young woman. I veered away from fine arts and studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design culminating in a 15 year career in commercial design. Decades later I am confidently returning to my first love. I now have a proud and defined aesthetic and a fascination with the natural world.
I live with my husband, 2 daughters, and 2 cats in San Francisco, my home for 18 years.