Was 2022 a good year for you?
It was a good year if a bit of a roller-coaster. A big job, I focused on revamping my website, and beginning three new series: Two by Two, Madonna, and a short pastel grouping.
What were some of the highlights in your art career?
The year has been full. Of Dawn and Dusk was part of the WMOCA Painting the Figure Now curated by Samule Peralta - an exciting exhibit. This work is also currently hanging in the Rockport Art Association and Museum Nationalcurated by Ken DeWaard and Linnea Leeming I was a semi-finalist for ARC which I had no expectations for, have several works included in the Peregrine Collection heading to the moon, placed first in the Joan Dunfey Exhibit, chosen by Currier Museum Senior Curator Kurt Sundstrom and earned several pastel painting awards this year, including the PSNH 14th National Juried Exhibition, chosen by Gail Sibley and Alain Picard and the Central Massachusetts Pastel Society Marks of Distinction, chosen by Katie Hanon, Painting Curator for Museum of Fine Art, Boston.
What were some of the pitfalls?
I’m sure many feel the same, but time can be stressful. Balancing family, work, and studio life is sometimes overwhelming; I need to recenter, limit the exhibits I undertake and play, as well as work. I'm introverted by nature, social media doesn't always feel comfortable. 2023 will include taking time to continually challenge and love the creative process through limited, intentional, series.
Did your art sell?
I sold several works through 33 Contemorary, and local galleries.
Were you included in any shows?
Exhibiting in seventeen online and in house exhibits was demanding, including painting, pastel, and drawing nationals, including the Fitchburg Art Museum, the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, the Kimball Jenkins School of Art, and the Discovery Center.
Were you published in any art magazines or periodicals?
Manifest Gallery INPA volume 10 is due to be released in 2023, my work is also included in American Art Collector, Issue 206, Collector’s Figurative Focus, The Best of Drawing presented by Artist Magazine and American Artist, Strokes of Genius WMOCA Painting the Figure Now, PoetsArtists Blurb, Mujer, and Exertion, American Art Collector #205
How has social media affected your daily practice?
I have begun videotaping more of my process which is enlightening. I think some activity on social media acts as a connective tissue… I live in a small rural town away from art centers. Posting and looking at artist works, reminds me to see out into the world, locate the heartbeat that links us.
What are you looking forward to in 2023?
I have just begun a short Madonna series that feels right and will continue exploring this idea of the sacredness of motherhood. I also have a small group exhibit, ‘Seasons’ tentatively planned for 2024 that I will begin to plan towards. I enjoy symbolism, the subtlety of meaning through both words and gesture, it’ll be exciting to continue working on the series that have already begun and jump into this new grouping as well.