Posting this almost two years after the fact, but I wanted to make a post about a show I did back in December of 2015 at one of my favorite galleries in Oklahoma City. I've been selling prints at DNA Galleries for years now and when they asked me to show work in their gallery space I was super excited to participate.
Some Q's and A's from DNA:
What is your medium/process?
I paint multiple thin layers of oil paint on wood. There’s a mix of reference photos and freestyle painting. I never really know how something is going to turn out, and I think that’s essential for me when I paint.
Rosette Nebula, oil on board, 2015
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Oklahoma City, and graduated from Oklahoma State University. After college, I moved to Texas and lived in Galveston and Austin. I recently moved back to OKC this past summer.
Anaitisa, oil on board, 2015
How would you describe your latest body of work?
“Celestial” is a series that focuses on fictional deities that rule other worlds and galaxies. Their names are reminiscent of Greek, Celtic, Persian, and Egyptian goddesses. I wanted to create divine beings that could either be ancient or futuristic.
Nephthysus, oil on board, 2015
What inspires you?
I’m very much inspired by nature, anatomy, and astronomy. I feel they are very much full of life and full of death. It’s intriguing and beautiful.
Lumina, oil on board, 2015
How did you get started?
Like most people, I started painting as a kid. In pre-school, my teacher called my mom to tell her she was worried because I refused to draw stick figures. My mom later told me that I came home that day complaining because “people don’t look like sticks!” I hadn’t yet figured out how to draw a human body. I’ve been infatuated with painting and drawing ever since.
Orion Nebula, oil on board, 2015
What are your goals for the future?
I’d love to create life-size round panels of galaxies that invoke an immersive view of space. I’d also love to create a conceptual interpretation of my “Floral Anatomy” series by creating a garden inside of a gallery made completely of flowers and bones.
What advice do you have to artists?
If you put in the time, love, and energy, you will see results. That doesn’t mean every piece will be amazing, but you always have to keep at it to grow as an artist. Try not to put so much stress on yourself and just play around and have fun with your work. Experiment!
