I create weird, twisted surreal pieces of art, because I myself am odd. I was raised by a flower child and a Vietnam vet, in the suburbs of New Jersey during the 80's. My childhood wasn't normal, but whose is? I began drawing, on every surface as soon as I could hold a crayon. Whenever I had to be confined to a car, a chair, or sit still for any reason, I occupied my time by creating art. My imagination was constantly running wild, and I'm so full of energy, I've always struggled to sit still. I was diagnosed with ADHD as a teen, and my therapist actually explained that art was likely the reason I went undiagnosed for so long. Creating art has always been an outlet for me, as much as it is a coping mechanism, so I consider myself a cathartic visionary artist. I love the idea of something existing, or being possible outside of the mundane existences we typically live in. Alice in Wonderland, Oz and many fairytale realms, are a constant source of inspiration for my work. I like to add a strange twist to these realms, and make it my own, while leaving a bit of the childhood nostalgia there. All of my paintings are emotional pieces, and are reflections of my own experiences, hidden behind a vail of symbolism. You'll notice women are the main subject of most of my work, because I myself am a woman, and I subcosciencly put myself into each piece. I also enjoy painting women's soft features and drawing their curves. When I sit down to create a piece of art, I listen to music to set the tone. My music preferences vary greatly depending on my mood. I will listen to anything from Tool, The Beatles, Tom Petty, Melanie Martinez, and Florence and the Machine to name a few. I feel that music really helps shape the piece of art I create, and it is an important part of the ritual I have developed when I work in my studio. Inspiration strikes all day long, no matter what I am doing. I have a notebook and I find myself writing ideas and doodling in it whenever I am unable to be in my studio painting. When I need an idea, I will look back in my sketchbook and run through what I've written, or quickly sketched out. The idea evolves from there. I must also add that I am a big fan of Steven King. I have been since I picked up my first King book "The Longest Walk". He's a great storyteller, and his books introduced me to the thriller, horror realm, full of dark, edge of your seat things, not previously thought possible. I love that stuff, so I like to take cues from it and add a bit of darkness, or grim humor to my art.