About me
Making art, for me, is a continual practice of pursuing curiosity. My work emerges from my interests and observations as a way to process and understand the world. Following my fascinations has led me to value experimentation as an essential tool for growth.
My paintings combine mixed media (gouache, oil pastel, watercolor, and collage) in layered surfaces that balance abstraction with recognizable form. My landscapes and still lifes often begin intuitively, through color, mark-making, and observation, before gradually evolving into composition. I am drawn to how simplified fields of color can evoke both specific places and more sensory, emotional impressions.
The natural world remains a constant source of inspiration. Seasonal shifts and the textural objects I collect — seed pods, stones, shells, and driftwood — inform both my visual language and my material choices, reminding me that even in uncertain times, there are moments of quiet beauty to be found. Outside my studio practice, I teach and lead workshops, finding in community the same spirit of curiosity and discovery that drives my own work.
CV
Academic studies
Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY
MFA in Illustration, Honors — 2016
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
BFA in Graphic Design — 1989
Yale University, New Haven, CT
Graphic Design Summer Program with Paul Rand — 1988
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
Pre-College Summer Study — 1984
Teaching & Workshops
Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus, OH
Associate Professor, August 2017–Present
Courses: Introduction to Illustration, Figure Drawing, Traditional Media, Children's Book Illustration, Illustration Markets, Illustration Portfolio Projects, Self Promotion, Capstone, Children's Markets Illustration
Brigham Young University — Invited Presenter & Workshop, 2024
University of Hartford — Invited Presenter, 2022, 2024
Creativebug.com— Online Instructor, 2021
Developed three courses: 30 Days to Celebrate Winter, Make an Accordion Book, Create Two Inspirational Posters
American Greetings — Lecturer & Workshop Leader, 2008, 2018
Collage and watercolor techniques
ICON Illustration Conference — Workshop Leader, 2018
Accordion book structures
Syracuse University — Invited Presenter & Workshop, 2017
Developed curriculum for a new course on licensing and illustration markets
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Ohio Chapter — Presenter, 2019
Breakout session on social media strategies for children's book promotion
River Arts — Panelist & Event Organizer, 2016
Journey of the Picture Book: From Inception to Publication
Society of Illustrators, New York, NY — Workshop Instructor, 2016
Drawing workshops for at-risk youth
Exhibitions & Residencies
Gallery 22, Delaware, OH — Group Exhibition, 2026
Landscape painting and ceramics
Milkwood Residency, Hobart, NY — Selected Participant, 2025
Five-day workshop led by Doug Salati and Celia Cruz
American Greetings Gallery, Cleveland, OH — Solo Exhibition, 2019
Little People, Big World — selected watercolor works
Diana Kane Gallery, Brooklyn, NY — Group Exhibitions, 2018, 2019
Supporting women's rights and democratic initiatives
SURTEX Trade Show, New York, NY — Exhibitor, 2018
Surface pattern designs and gift products
Public Art & Licensing
Greater Columbus Arts Council — 2024
Licensed artwork for a presidential election civic engagement campaign; illustrations featured on yard signs and digital platforms
Colorado Foundation for Caring — 2020–2026
Licensed over 25 pieces for corporate offices, website, and promotional materials
Publications, Awards & Professional Recognition
CCAD Faculty Funding Grant — Awarded 3,000$ towards faculty enrichment, 2023, 2024, 2025
3×3 Magazine — 2004, 2008–2010, 2013, 2015
Published in Annuals; Bronze Award for Picture Book Illustration, 2013; Judge, Picture Book category, 2016
Uppercase Magazine / Little U — Author & Illustrator
Experiencing a Book as Object (2020); Wordless Picture Books (2017); Embracing Failure (2018); The Art of Longevity(2015)
Society of Illustrators, New York — Published in Annuals #41, 43, 45, 48, 55, 56, 60, 63
Communication Arts Magazine — Illustration Annual #41
American Illustration — No. 34 (online)
Connect
For workshop enquiries, commissions, or just to connect — please don't hesitate to get in touch.
