Staycation

My work is rooted in observation, empathy, and a commitment to bringing awareness to both social and environmental issues.

My interest in the natural world has been lifelong. I had the unique opportunity to assist my uncle at his big cat refuge, where I spent weekends helping care for and photographing animals such as tigers, mountain lions, and snow leopards. This early exposure fostered a lasting respect for wildlife and conservation. Later, as an illustrator for the Indianapolis Zoo, I worked from direct observation—drawing animals in their environments, swimming with dolphins, and studying penguins within their habitat. These experiences continue to inform my work, particularly my series addressing endangered and threatened species, in which I explore both the beauty and fragility of the natural world.

I earned my BFA after studying Fine Art at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design in Los Angeles. During this time, I had the privilege of studying under influential artists, including Deborah Butterfield and David Willardson, who helped shape my approach to form and concept. Following my academic training, I completed numerous commissioned works, including large-scale portraits, landscapes, and murals. My work has been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the United States, including the Cornell Museum of Art in Delray Beach, Florida; Rockwell Gallery in New York, New York; Indianapolis Museum of Art in Indianapolis, Indiana; Richmond Art Museum in Richmond, Indiana; Agora Gallery in New York, New York; Leonovich Gallery in New York, New York; and Allentown Art Museum in Allentown, Pennsylvania. These exhibitions have provided opportunities to share my artistic vision with diverse audiences and contribute to a broader dialogue surrounding contemporary art.

My work is also archived in collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts. I have received several honors, including the Bobbi Mastrangelo Award and the Cecilia Picon Award, as well as recognition for imagery, mixed media, and thematic impact. Together, these exhibitions, collections, and distinctions reflect my ongoing commitment to creating work that is both visually compelling and conceptually meaningful.

At the core of my work is a fascination with the subtle complexities of both nature and the human condition—the interplay of light, texture, color, and form. I am particularly drawn to symbolism and the ways in which atmosphere and mood can shape interpretation. Ultimately, it is the challenge of weaving these elements together—balancing observation, emotion, and symbolism—that continues to inspire my work.