I have been drawing since I could hold a pencil. I was the student in school who got in trouble for doodling all over my assignments. I received my associates in Fine Art but was convinced that I needed to pursue my Bachelors in something that would give me job security. I majored in English and became a teacher. Through out my teaching career, which I love, something was missing. I taught middle school math and every English class that you can think of. I decorated my boards and walls elaborately. I did creative projects with the kids, but it was still not enough. I needed more art in my life!
After about 5 years of teaching I began making jewelry and greeting cards and attending craft shows. By 2012 I was painting and attending small art shows, filling the void which had been art. I slowly got more involved, doing more shows and finding a style as I developed my skill. In 2016 I started a non-profit that focused on giving back and providing artistic experiences to women and children in abusive situations. I moved from Northern Virginia to South Florida in 2017. I have participated in several community projects, art exhibits, and I have created opportunities doing workshops and painting parties. I continue to do work in the community although the recipients have changed slightly. My main focus since I have been in Florida is using art to decrease the achievement gap that high risk youths face. I have worked with The City of Fort Lauderdale Neighborhood Volunteer Office, Fort Lauderdale Action for Literacy, L.A. Lee YMCA, Art Serve, Mass District, Art N Soul, and Art Prevails Project.
I am currently a high school English teacher. I am a positive person that believes in living life to the fullest! I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2001. I believe that life is what we make it...so I live each day like it's my last! I have two beautiful daughters! I love to work out! Art is my outlet....my way of expressing myself and creating a platform for important topics! It is my hope to bring happiness and inspiration to many people through my art. My non-profit, "Soulful Innovations," was created to provide an artistic experience for woman and children who are experiencing financial difficulty or abusive situations but I also offer the same opportunities for high risk youth, the homeless, and seniors.
People who overcome adversity are my inspiration. My art is a reflection of what I have experienced in life...through my eyes and through the stories of others. I am inspired by the beauty of nature! I am inspired by stories and images of true love! I am inspired by the students that I work with everyday! I create work based on social injustice and other current social and political topics.