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| Colorful Longevity |
When did you first start making art?
I started producing art as a kid in grade school - drawing, painting, pottery, beading. I enjoyed them all, but beading was my favorite back then. The art class provided looms, but out of class, I built my own for use at home. The main goal is to draw out a design and then create with use of different colored sea beads. The loom was not very big, but I could end up with a piece the size of a bracelet. I was always pretty good at drawing freeform or from photos. After graduating high school and some college, I moved to California in the mid 1990’s and started painting in 1995. Since I could not think of anything else but being a famous artist, I decided to turn my art into a business. It’s been a wonderful journey and I’m proud of what my art represents and how it affects others.
Tell us about the materials you like to use in your work.
I started with oil paints but did not have the patience for the extensive drying time. I like to work fast and found that acrylic paints suited my style. They allow me to layer color on top of color in a much shorter period of time. I am a very colorful artist and abstract designing is a great fit for me. I’m proud to say I have developed my own style where I can showcase some of my Native American heritage. My paintings are exciting, but the bead designs that I incorporate in the pieces are my favorite aspect. They represent my personal designs of symbols and symbolism in my Native American background. I’m so glad that I was able to marry beading and painting into my own unique style.
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| Native Face |
What inspires you to keep creating?
Artists are inspired by making sales, but individuals requesting commissioned work is the ultimate inspiration for me. I have had the privilege to produce at least 5 special requests - they definitely energize me and just make me feel like I can do anything. My first juried piece of art (Enchanted Sun) won two prizes – Best Design and Best Color. This type of acknowledgement is another way I am inspired.
The postcard for my current show features
Three Spirits in the Sky - the three spirits are the bead designs that represent prayers for continued balance between heaven and earth.
The first expression from people who view my art comes from their own love of color. This pulls them in and then they are amazed by the bead designs. “Your art makes me feel happy” is one of the most common responses I have received. This is just another way I am inspired. I love when people are drawn to my art and want to know more about it.
I will be working on a bead design during my artist-in-residence day on Saturday, February 18th at aRt Cottage. Come by any time that day between 11am and 5pm for a visit!
