I am a self-taught artist living in New Orleans for the past 41 years. I have always loved creating art and did so mostly for my own enjoyment. I was also a co-owner of a little sign shop, in which I was the graphic artist for over 15 years. I was happy with that until my life was completely turned around in 2012 when my husband was diagnosed with cancer. I had to do something to help with the finances, so I started selling my art. When my husband passed in 2014, I had my art. Art was my counselor, my therapy, my solace. I always painted with precision. He always told me to loosen up. My art presently is a combination of both. It brings me great joy to have a stranger look at one of my pieces and smile. I feel honored and humbled that someone I don't know is willing to spend their hard-earned money to take one of my pieces home. I create my pieces for my AMAZING sons, for the memory of my husband, for the public, but mostly I create my art for me.

Describe your art in three words.

Colorful controlled chaos

Describe yourself in one word.

Determined

What do you love the most about creating art in New Orleans? What particular part of your immediate environment, in your neighborhood specifically influences your work?

My love for colors are influenced by New Orleans... The architecture, the people, the costumes, the parades, the music, the list goes on and on and on.

Describe your creative process. Are there any rituals or rites of passage you exercise before you begin a new piece?

Believe it or not, my creative ritual starts in bed. Yes, I paint in my bed. I turn on my Netflix, search for a terrible horror flick, plop a 2' x 4' on my lap and go to town!

Where do you draw inspiration?

I draw my inspiration from the other wonderful and talented artists that I have had the pleasure of getting to know while doing the art markets around New Orleans. Their creativity never ceases to amaze!

Who are your artistic influences or gurus?

Bob Ross... I can watch him 24/7! So calm, so pleasure-filled, I love to watch him make his "happy little mistakes!" Not my style of painting, but it's nice to see someone do what they truly love.

In New Orleans, art and music go hand in hand. What type of music, band or song lyric best describes your work?

I love alternative music, such as Imagine Dragons, Cage the Elephant, My Chemical Romance and above all, New Orleans' own, The Revivalists! I love "story-telling" in a song, the ebbs and flows in the music that evoke thought and emotion. Hopefully, my art can do the same.

Where can we find you when you are not creating art?

You will find me at my "real" job helping people with their recovery as a physical therapy tech.

What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?

Every Thursday at 5:30, my 3 day weekend begins! A lot of creating is about to commence!

What is something people don’t know about you? A fun fact.

I am a paranormal TV show junkie!

All works listed online are available to be viewed at Where Y’Art Gallery by appointment.

I can ship anywhere in the United States. I will only charge the amount the Postal Services charges me plus $15 packing fee. My shipping charges on my pieces are just estimates and I will let the customer know the actual cost once the order is placed.