What is currently on your nightstand?
A notebook given to me by a friend, water (probably 2-3 glasses like the little girl from the movie Signs) and Becoming by Michelle Obama
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
I would have to say, my mother. I believe I was born with the “art” gene given to me by her. She took me to galleries as a child, showed me her paintings and discussed art with me in a thought-provoking way. With her nurturing it was inevitable.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
I remember my art teacher in second grade held up a picture of Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, and my immediate thought was YES.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Pink paint…I could do a lot with my fingers and a bit of pink paint.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
Since adulthood, I have only lived in small spaces such as apartments or townhomes. It is hard to break those up into “rooms”. I would have to say the corner of the home I can call my own. Someday maybe we will finally move out of a city and get a proper house, but until then a corner will have to do…and I am so happy with that.
What is your biggest score online?
Definitely some art! I purchased a painting from a local DC artist, Maps Glover. Love it! It was actually right off his Instagram stories.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
A collective is a great way to browse art that has a similar style and essence. If you are looking to build a gallery wall it is the perfect spot. A collective really compliments each other, but each artist is still unique in his or her own work. Buy a piece you love, and start small if you are nervous.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
That is really tough! I would have to say The Whitney in NYC. You can stroll through the West Village to The Whitney, view some beautiful art, and finish with a drink on one of their many decks looking out to the NYC skyline.
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
The Quirk in Richmond. They have an art gallery connected to the hotel. It is constant and continuous support of local artists through their rotating exhibitions. LOVE! Oh, and their color is a beautiful peachy pink. Perfection.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Pink. It looks good on my skin tone. I do love a red lip on others.
I can never get on a plane without….
Peanut M&Ms
How did you get into the world of art?
I was living in London and saw several “working” artists. I decided that I wanted to give it a go after many previous occupations (retail management, teacher, fashion designer, fashion public relations and visual merchandising). I rented a studio and worked on a series for a year before showing the work, but once I started showing it grew from there. Social media has been a huge boost in support as well.
What do you do to relax?
With a 2-year old and a 4-month old, relaxing is not so easy. I would have to say when I am painting at my studio I am relaxed.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
Right before falling asleep. I see paintings, but never know how to capture it.
Prediction for the Color of 2019?
Lavender
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
Netflix and chill at the moment. I would love to say dance all night, but nowadays it’s not possible so dinner is about as good as it gets. I have a girls’ night out booked soon, and I can’t wait!
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
That is really hard because I love all of them. Italian Skies is one that I am obsessed with, and it has never been purchased. It’s a geometric painting. The color, balance, and mood is all there.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Save your money and buy what you want. Do not undervalue an artist’s time and hard work. I think the art in your home should be your biggest splurge (of course I am biased!). There is so much beautiful art out there, and when you buy from an artist you are not only supporting the artist but the whole arts community.
