Artist Statement

I create richly textured mixed-media paintings shaped by historical ornamentation, textile history, and the organic geometry of the natural world. Using layered panels, molding paste, metal leaf, collage, paint, and found materials, I construct intricate, low-relief surfaces that evoke illuminated manuscripts, mosaics, vintage fabrics, and classical architecture. My process relies entirely on intuition to merge these diverse visual threads into a cohesive piece.

 Having been raised in a deeply religious household, I developed an early fascination with the rich colors and pageantry of the Catholic Mass. This childhood exposure grew into a lifelong appreciation for Byzantine, Orthodox, and Islamic iconography. These traditions continue to inform my paintings—not directly, but through structured designs where pattern, texture, and light dictate the final product. I frequently apply bright (imitation) gold leaf and iridescent finishes directly over flat, matte underpaintings, creating a stark visual contrast that shifts with the viewer's perspective.

 My current work is heavily anchored by the legacy of my mother and aunts, who were incredibly resourceful with sewing, embroidery, crocheting, and dress design during the lean years of the Great Depression and World War II. They created beautiful objects from next to nothing, magnifying their resourcefulness by repurposing materials like cotton flour bags and secondhand clothing. I incorporate motifs derived from those vintage textiles into complex compositions, honoring my family’s creative resilience while transforming their domestic craft into my own contemporary style.

Ultimately, my work is a blend of organic forms, sacred symbolism, and geometric grids and patterns. I want my paintings to encourage viewers to slow down, look closer, and uncover the hidden layers and textures camouflaged by the paint and design. Rev 8/26