I create abstract drawings that reflect my research and understanding of the state many of us experience while recovering from grief. Once I complete what would typically be a completed drawing, I set about removing elements of its being. By erasing, sanding, and scratching my surfaces, they gradually become traces of what once was - an expression of our inability to control the circumstances of our lives. Core remnants of the drawings remain; not everything is completely lost. I then begin to draw back into the pieces and continue this process until they feel finished in a new sense, beyond grief. The finished products are delicately layered, abstract images. Ephemeral markings both inhabit and vacate the original drawing.

I also work in abstract porcelain sculpture. These pieces stem from my desire to create a visual interpretation of the way a person may feel upon hearing devastating news. I begin each sculpture by creating a vase in the traditional sense, on the potter’s wheel. I then continue to push and stretch the clay while the wheel is spinning until gravity takes over and the clay collapses. The result is an expression of the moment one’s life changes due to outside circumstances - a moment forever frozen in memory.

When shown together, my drawings and sculptural works encapsulate the struggle with what occurs after a seminal, tragic event. A liminal space is occupied, while transitioning to a new experience. In creating this work I have found hope and the ability to embrace the unknown.

CV

M.F.A. Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, California 2018

B.A. San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California 2002

Solo Exhibitions (Selected)

2018 "Liminal Space" Bakersfield Museum of Art, Bakersfield, CA

2018 "Liminal Space", Duke Gallery, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA

2017 “Collapse”, Bullock Gallery, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA

2015 “Water”, Wire and Pearl, Bakersfield, CA

2013 “Pieces”, The Foundry, Bakersfield, CA

2012 “In Stitches”, Valentien, Bakersfield, CA

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2018 “Shared Vision”, Inland Empire Museum of Art, Upland, CA

2017 “Coalesce”, Exit Gallery, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA

2017 “Nasty Women”, De Coeur, Bakersfield, CA

2016 “Resolution”, Exhale Unlimited, Los Angeles, CA

2016 “Breath of Fresh Air”, Metro Galleries, Bakersfield, CA

2016 “Latination”, Metro Galleries, Bakersfield, CA

2015 “Home”, Wire and Pearl, Bakersfield, CA

2014 “CA101”, Redondo Beach, CA

2013 “Small Works”, Bakersfield Museum of Art, Bakersfield, CA

2012 “Playful Minds”, The Younger Gallery, Bakersfield, CA

2011 “Contextual”, Arts Council of Kern, Bakersfield, CA

2010 “Spokes”, Surface Gallery, Bakersfield, CA

2010 “One”, Surface Gallery, Bakersfield, CA

2010 “Bastille”, Valentien, Bakersfield, CA

2009 “Layers”, Surface Gallery, Bakersfield, CA

2009 “Paper”, Surface Gallery, Bakersfield, CA

Awards

2011 Beautiful Bakersfield Award Winner, Arts Individual, Chamber of Commerce

Professional Experience

2003-Present Ceramics Instructor, Bakersfield High School

2013-Present Workshop Presenter, Bakersfield Museum of Art

2013-2015 Ceramics Instructor, Levan Institute, Bakersfield College

2018 Ceramics Instructor, Levan Institute, Bakersfield College

2015 Workshop Presenter, Mendocino Art Center, Mendocino, CA

2011 Conference Chair, California Art Education Association State

Conference, Bakersfield, CA

2008-2010 Co-Owner, Surface Gallery, Bakersfield, CA