I remember visiting the Louvre in Paris at a very young age. That first introduction to classical art had a profound impact on me. Later at art school, I fell in love with oil painting and now I can’t imagine a career in a different field.

My childhood in Colorado was very “outdoorsy.” We were always hiking and skiing and mountain biking. We also traveled a lot because my mother was working for an airline. Growing up, I felt like a typical American kid but looking back, I was very lucky to have such an early exposure to the world and other cultures.

Yes, trial and error mostly! I feel like my influences are all over the place but I try to make each body of work feel unique to itself. Pushing myself out of a rut is difficult and I get comfortable using the same box of tricks. I need inspiration to grow and take risks, so sometimes I take workshops or trips to museums and galleries or watch films, which helps. Paint application is very important to me and I’ve found over the years that a "wet into wet” approach is really satisfying to me, so I mostly use that technique.

Absolutely. I listen to music when I work. Adam inspires me everyday and not only because of his music. Beyond being a fantastic musician, he’s an amazing sculptor, director, and visual artist. For anyone that knows Adam, he’s a wonderful friend and ally. He gives the best pep talks!

Those names you mention were college instructors of mine, each wonderful artists, who were instrumental in my development. I’m lucky to have amazing artist friends--Natalia Fabia, Sean Cheetham, Jeremy Lipking, Phil Hale, and Justin Mortimer--who inspire and motivate me to be a better painter. I continue to be inspired by old masters, turn of the century portrait painters.

Personally, I mostly keep politics out of my paintings but I think art is a great way to express and advocate for social change. Nothing should be taboo when art is concerned.

The female experience is complex. There is so much to unpack here but I really enjoy the intimacy of painting the female form.

Both Shroud and Snow White were painted for themed group shows, the themes being Crucifixion and Pop-iconic. Within the context of a themed show, I rely on a mix of religion, pop culture, folklore, and mythology for my visual vocabulary.

Every solo show is a highlight for me. I feel so blessed to have my work up and be seen in person at a gallery, especially with the pandemic happening.

I’m working on commissions and generally playing catch up with family and home life.