Painter

“I love the space and the active artistic community that comes with joining Art Gym.”

I’m a mom of two young kids and am currently discovering my identity in the creative world. After traveling and living in various parts of the US, I moved to Denver and have recently changed careers into fine art. I’m an oil painter working in both a realistic and abstract style. My goal is to share a vision of the detailed beauty I’ve found in the natural world.

What made you want to join Art Gym?  I joined Art Gym initially for self-care. I had just quit my full-time job in healthcare, which had been bad for my mental health, and I was hungry to do something just for me. I wondered what the day-to-day would be like as an artist and was curious to see if I could do this for the rest of my life. From day one I was hooked! I felt like Elsa in Frozen, where she sings “Let it goooooo! let it gooooo!! …can’t hold it back anymorrrre”. I felt like I could finally let go and be my true authentic self.

I love the space and the active artistic community that comes with joining Art Gym. I have a tendency to isolate myself, so I joined to get the inspiration and support from fellow artists, that I know I need, and that I wouldn’t get if I were to paint alone at home.

How has Art Gym helped with your art practice?  There is always a painting space available when I need it and the people that create here are respectful, supportive, and positive. Having this kind of community inspires me to continue moving forward with art. Even just being here in the calm and clean open space itself motivates me.

What are you hoping to communicate through your work?  Since I’m still early in this journey, I haven’t yet found my “voice”. For my current project, I’m working to show the beauty we can find in nature …if we look close enough! I’m currently working on a series called “Wing-craft”, a photorealistic pixel art-inspired journey through butterflies. I love painting these small creatures, as they are full of intricate details and each one varies so immensely from the other. My husband does macro photography as a hobby, and several of his photos are butterflies. I use his photography for reference for my paintings. I also love sketching portraits of people that have inspired me and have special meaning in my life.

Who and/or what are some of your biggest artistic influences?  In stark contrast to what I’m currently doing, I find inspiration in urban and street art. I gravitate towards the works of Banksy, Odeith, Thomas “Detour” Evans (local Denver artist), and Jordan M. Rhodes. I typically like art that is not displayed in galleries, but rather in public places, like walls, murals, cultural events, campaigns, etc, and even children’s books. I haven’t yet created anything that even resembles these artists, but my hope is that someday I will!

What does your artwork mean to you?  The joy and freedom I’ve found in self-expression!