While taking my regular walks around the neighborhood I started to become aware of the subtle beauty entangled in the low-hanging powerlines that dart from house to house. There is something enchanting about the powerlines, and familiar architecture that makes walking through New Orleans neighborhoods feel like living in a movie. In my art I aim to capture the enchanting nature of New Orleans for people who live here, leave here and visit.
I grew up in Metairie, Louisiana and am now living and working in the Uptown area. I studied Fine Art at the University of Louisiana Lafayette and the University of New Orleans. And since all the locals want to know... St. Mary's Dominican Highschool.
Questions & Answers
Describe your art in three words.
Enchanting, detailed, and photographic
Describe yourself in one word.
Observant
What do you love the most about creating art in your community? What particular part of your immediate environment, in your neighborhood specifically influences your work?
I love it when people look at my work and say, "I know where this is," or "I walk past this house to get to work every day." These comments make me feel close to my community and at home. However, the parts of my environment that influence my work are the things that most people would not think twice about, for example, garbage cans, termite damage, sinking foundations, and potholes. These things, while not traditionally seen as beautiful or logistically fun to deal with, are the things that influence the chaotic beauty of New Orleans. Those things are part of what it means to call this place home.
Describe your creative process. Are there any rituals or rites of passage you exercise before you begin a new piece?
Almost every painting starts with a walk, where I find a house or scene that catches my eye and screams "Paint me!"
Where do you draw inspiration?
My neighborhood surroundings.
Who are your artistic influences or gurus?
Van Gough, for they way he is able to capture mood and emotion in his paintings. I have also been enjoying looking at water color architectural paintings.
In New Orleans, art and music go hand in hand. What type of music, band or song lyric best describes your work?
Definitely Jazz! Especially when it's live and in the Quarter.
Where can we find you when you are not creating art?
You can find me walking around Freret Street, hanging out with my cats, or sitting on my mini balcony watching the sun go down.
What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?
My favorite time of day is right before the sunsets, the golden hour where everything has a warm calmness.
What is something people don’t know about you? A fun fact.
I used to make jewelry and miniature foods out of polymer clay. In general I love making things and playing with new materials.
