Tell us about your most recent collection.
This collection is somewhat unique in that I consciously worked on finding space — space within the abstracted chaos. I wanted to identify areas where our eyes and mind could rest and contemplate. I resisted the urge to “fill the space,” and in so doing, the forms, shapes, and markings become somehow more essential, more alluring.
What, if anything, would you like people to know about your latest work and its evolution?
I believe the compositions have evolved because of my conscious efforts to listen to the quieter parts of the work and let them sneak a piece of the spotlight: celebrating the hues, highlighting the tension between chaos and calm, the playful and serious. My language is still all about the interplay of line, form, and texture, but I see a lean (or an attempt of one) toward larger, bolder, gestural forms and more expanses of color.
How would you describe your art to first-time viewers?
My statement says it best. My work has never been about neat, tidy packages but rather, a study in material, intuition, imagination, immediacy, and experimentation. It’s lively, active, bold, courageous, original, and non-formulaic (like me!).
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Much like the adjectives I used to describe the work itself. As a material- and process-based artist, I investigate how color, texture, form, and materials can play along with each other. I fearlessly test the medium—oftentimes asking it to do something maybe it shouldn’t or hasn’t before. Every meek or wild stroke of the brush informs my next step or action. Once the palette is decided upon and the paint and texture applied, I really do get out of my own way and follow the painting’s lead.
Is there one style of art that you haven't done, but would love to try one day?
As a child, I would sketch the rooms in my house and include details of the fabrics, rugs, wallpaper patterns, furniture, and bookshelves. I would then paint the scenes in watercolors and loved that practice. I want to challenge myself to take more time to draw and learn more about figurative painting. I don’t see myself leaving the world of abstraction, but I’m certain it would lead to new surprises and nuances in my work.
Do you have any favorite pieces in this collection? If so, which ones and why?
Probably “Picnic in the Park” is a favorite (see below why I loved creating these canvas pieces), and “Cliffside” is my favorite work on panel. The color combination and composition worked — somehow it’s passive and active at the same time, and I just love that grey hue!
Which piece in this collection was the most difficult to complete?
Interestingly enough, the works on paper seem more difficult. Somehow, the blank paper is more intimidating to me than the blank canvas. I struggled with the works entitled “Swinging in the Hammock” and “Joy: In Plain Sight.” I layered and layered cold wax and continued to paint over certain parts until I nearly gave up. The longer I wait to complete works and put them aside to think about later, the more difficult they are to figure out. I’m glad I hung in there to finish these.
Which piece in this collection was the most fun to complete?
I included in this collection several works on canvas that are a departure from those on paper and panel. After completing my enormous textile installation for my last exhibit at Quirk, I had loads of leftover canvas. I randomly cut strips and squares of the fabric and then sat at my sewing machine to create fabric collages from the remnants. Inspired by a recent “outsider art” exhibition, I was determined to introduce some 3D elements (including game pieces) and added buttons, string, cardboard, and the like into each of these works to play with materials and offer texture and whimsy. These were great fun to create, and I hope to work on another series.
Which mediums do you prefer and why?
I love paint (oil, encaustic, acrylic, watercolor, and gouache) and all that it can do, but I always say clay is my best friend. As a child, clay classes were the first I took, and I still remember making clay puppets and touring around my town to give shows with my art class. Whenever I think about creating a new collection of work, I consider how and if clay might be a medium I can use to speak my truth and tell my story. I regret that I didn’t include ceramic works in this exhibit, but I am currently working on a new and unique series of ceramic sculptures. Stay tuned.
On a scale from 1–10, how excited are you about life right now?
10!
Describe yourself in a hashtag.
#NOTSHY
What is one thing we would never guess about you?
I nap about four out of seven days a week!
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
Probably exploring every national park (riding in my camper van with my husband and my golden retriever, Millie) and making sure I hike and/or bike every day and have a roaring fire every night. Having my daughters and their new husbands along would be icing on the cake!
What are some of your activities other than painting that drive you or bring you joy?
I am working on a children’s book about Millie and me. The story is in rhyme and outlines how at 53, I decided to have my first pet and what she (as all pets do) has taught me about living in the present—how her every first (snow, sand, waves) was like me experiencing those things for the first time as well. It could easily be a book for adults too. I dream about touring the country promoting my book with Millie in tow. I also love playing around on the guitar (at my beginner level), trying to sing, and of course hiking, traveling, cycling, beading, reading, and napping.
If you could master one instrument, what would it be?
Voice, guitar, and drums—in that order.
What's the most random skill you have?
In a recent acting class, we were challenged to memorize a monologue while also doing something difficult. I recited my monologue while in the yoga crow position. And oh, I can still do the full splits.
What's something you can't do, but wish you could?
Sing well. Bar chords on the guitar. Play the drums. One pull-up.
What's one thing that instantly makes your day better?
A call or visit from one of my girls, a good belly laugh with my best buddy (to whom I speak every day, sometimes multiple times a day), hanging with Millie, and of course working out.
Dream country to visit?
Turkey.
Vintage or new?
New!
Summer or winter?
Summer, of course. I hate to be cold.
Do you have art in your home that you’ve collected that is meaningful to you? And why?
I am surrounded by art I have collected for more than 45 years. Ceramic sculpture is my favorite, and many pieces I have are either by fellow artist classmates or teachers—or by my favorite people, my daughters. I also come from a creative family of artists and cherish the works I have by my dad, my sisters, my nieces, and my brother-in-law. I don’t display a lot of my own art, but I did create wallpaper from paintings and have two powder rooms adorned with that art made into wallpaper. I also have a rug woven from one of my paintings and love that! I have always chosen art that speaks to me—tells a story. I have many works I bought for less than $20 by artists selling their art in outdoor street venues in Asia.
What's one thing that you always have with you?
Benadryl and insect repellent. I fear being attacked by mosquitoes because they have and do eat me alive.
Who's your style icon?
Michelle Obama (post–First Lady) and Alicia Keys.
What's something you are unbeatable at?
When we have next to nothing in our fridge, freezer, or pantry, I can make an edible (sometimes yummy) meal out of next to nothing.
What's something you are most proud of?
My daughters.
When you feel stuck creatively, what do you do?
Avoid the studio.
What's your favorite way to relax?
Sitting on the beach and staring at the ocean (preferably with Millie).
What are some things that instantly inspire you to start creating a new piece?
Listening to music, rearranging things in the studio, and mixing paint.
If you could own any work of art in existence, which one would it be?
I would love an enormous sculptural installation by Joana Vasconcelos — I’d have to add a room to showcase it!
What's heavily played on your music playlist right now?
I’m stuck in the past with my music interests. I still listen to Tracy Chapman, Melissa Etheridge, Luther Vandross, Lyle Lovett, and Passenger — just to name a few.
What books are you reading now, or books you’ve read that changed your life?
Just finishing a sad one entitled River Is Waiting. Maybe not life-changing, but here are a few I’ve most recently devoured that were informative, thought-provoking, necessary, meaningful, or just plain interesting: Between the World and Me, The Unlikely Disciple, Invisible Child, Devil’s Half Acre, More Myself, The Fire Next Time, Florence Adler Swims Forever, and Zooburbia.