Maine.  I was born and raised in Portland, Maine. South Portland to be specific. I’ve lived in a few other places later in life but Maine will always be home. 

Inspiration.  I get inspiration from a number of places such as food, music and other artists. Ultimately it boils down to a compulsive need to make something. 

Medium.  I use everything and anything available to me. I love enamel, oils and spray paint but I also love old paper and found objects.

Artist Hero.  Robert Rauschenberg, Basquiat, Helen Frankenthaler. I’m drawn to artists that use color and mark making in a way that evokes emotion.

Studio.  For the past 2 years I’ve been switching back and forth from my friends 175 year old barn in western Massachusetts to my home in south Portland. The barn is a real inspiration to me because you can just sense the history which is something I try to channel into my work. Not as a subject but as a feeling. I want my work to feel as though it’s been here. I do that through layers and certain mediums. 

Where in Maine.  Where not in Maine? I am, without a doubt an ocean person though. It’s just where I belong. 

Fun Fact.  I was a chef for 20 years. My first real restaurant job was at Fore street in the early 2000’s and then I owned a catering company for 10 years. Food and food prep is a huge influence on how I work. 

Education.  I attended Meca and got a Bfa in painting. I also had a brief stint at SVA when I lived in New York. Although school was important I think my real education has been through life experience and working.