When I was a child, if my mother wanted some time to herself, she would give me some paper and pencils, put me in a corner, and go about her business. I would be totally involved in the magical world I was creating for as much time as she cared to leave me there. As I grew older, I continued to draw and paint, but I always viewed these activities as a hobby. As my education progressed, although I continued to take art classes, these were for “my own enjoyment” rather than a “serious pursuit.” I studied English literature in college and graduate school on the road to an academic career.
One day I was visiting with a friend who was a printmaker. He was working on an etching as I was sweating over a paper for one of my English courses. His copper plate lay in tray of acid, and he stood, feather in hand, brushing air bubbles from his etched lines. The simplicity, directness, and grace of this act suddenly contrasted with the derivative and labored nature of what I was doing. I knew that what I really wanted was not to write about someone else’s art, but to make my own art. Soon afterward, I applied to art school.
After completing my Bachelor of Fine arts degree at School of Visual Arts, I spent much of my time painting, and ran a small calligraphy business to make a living. My work was exhibited in several group shows at Haber-Theodore Gallery and the Tarragon Gallery. It was also included in a show called “Home Work” which was sponsored the Creative Artists Public Service Program and funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council of the Arts. Estee Lauder, Warner Brothers, and various private patrons have purchased my paintings for their collections.
When I had to start working on a full time basis, I continued to draw and paint, but was unable to devote the time, energy and passion to it that I had previously done. Now that I am once again able to devote myself to my own work, I look forward to exploring the ways in which my intervening experiences and a constantly changing perspective will impact my work.