I'm an artist from the Midwest, who has an addiction to coffee and too much coffee creamer. I draw most of my inspiration from the landscapes I see around me everyday. This includes my daily commute and occasional travel for work. My family, friends, and other amazing artists inspire me to step out of my comfort zone and share my artwork with others. For the past couple of years I have primarily been working with encaustics. This includes original landscapes, abstract work, and photo encaustics.
I\\\'m excited to share my collection of work with you. These pieces reflect the various stages of my four-year journey in encaustic painting. After a long break from the fine arts, I found myself needing to disconnect from the daily barrage of technology. So, I taught myself the basics of encaustics and I began experimenting in photo encaustics. I soon transitioned into abstract landscapes and nonrepresentational pieces. I enjoy exploring the texture, translucent quality, and fluidity that can be achieved through the medium. Most of my paintings are inspired by observations made during my daily commute and travels and the emotions these experiences invoke.
Encaustic is a wax-based paint made of beeswax, resin, and pigment. The mixture is heated to about 170 degrees Fahrenheit and kept at a molten state for painting. The encaustic paint is applied to a rigid surface. After each layer is applied, the piece is fused by blowtorch or heat gun. This technique creates a unique texture and vibrancy that’s difficult to reproduce in other mediums.
Group Exhibitions:
2019 Small Works Auction – George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, Joplin, MO
2019 NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC), Bentonville, AR
2019 ARTI GRAS – Joplin Regional Artists Coalition (JRAC) @ artCentral, Carthage, MO
2018 Members Show – George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, Joplin, MO
2018 Members Show – Springfield Regional Arts Council @ The Creamery Arts Center, Springfield, MO
2018 Small Works Auction – George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, Joplin, MO
2018 Between The Lines: A World Without People – Springfield Regional Arts Council @ The Creamery Arts Center, Springfield, MO
2018 Art Speaks – Joplin Regional Artists Coalition (JRAC) @ artCentral, Carthage, MO
2017 New Beginnings– Joplin Regional Artists Coalition (JRAC) @ George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, Joplin, MO
2017 Members Show – George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, Joplin, MO
2017 Yes, We Can! – Joplin Regional Artists Coalition (JRAC) @ Cottey College, Nevada, MO
2017 48th Annual River Road Show – Art Guild of Louisiana @ Louisiana State Archives Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA
2017 6th Annual Encaustic Exhibition – Morpho Gallery, Chicago, IL
2017 Art Medley – Post Art Library, Joplin, MO
2017 Love Languages – Joplin Regional Artists Coalition (JRAC) @ artCentral, Carthage, MO
2017 Heartland Artist Exhibition – Tim Murphy Art Gallery, Merriam Drive, KS
2017 Urban + Abstract – Buttonwood Art Space, Kansas City, MO
2016 Vibrant – Joplin Regional Artists Coalition (JRAC) @ Buttonwood Art Space, Kansas City, MO
2016 Members Show – George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, Joplin, MO
2016 21st Annual Thomas Hart Benton Art Competition and Exhibition, Neosho, MO
Solo Exhibitions:
2018 Exploration – Post Art Library, Joplin, MO
2018 – The Bruncheonette, Joplin, MO
2018 Exploration – Infuжn Водка Bar, Joplin, MO
2017 Exploration – Infuжn Водка Bar, Joplin, MO
2017 Explorations – Beverly Corcoran Art Gallery, Pittsburg, KS
2017 Exploration – Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, Joplin, MO
Awards:
2019 Second Place, 2D – artCentral, Carthage, MO
2018 Juror\\\'s choice – George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, Joplin, MO
2018 Third Place, 2D – artCentral, Carthage, MO
2017 Third Place, 2D – artCentral, Carthage, MO
2016 First Place Emerging Artist Division – Thomas Hart Benton Art Competition and Exhibition
Publications:
Show Me the Ozarks Magazine (March 2018) – The Creative Edge
