Welcome to my creative world. I make art that based on anything that inspires me at that time of creating. My emphasis is on photography and painting. My Bachelor's of Fine art emphasis was in Fine Art Photography, Commercial Photography, and Painting. I received my BFA from the University of Akron in 2004, from the Meyer's School of Art. I took a break from art for a short period of time until I joined the Navy as a Photographer in 2010. During bootcamp, I couldn't get past my mental pain and I was sent to a Naval Psych, where I was given a medical discharge and told to seek a Neural Psych afterwards, where I was diagnosed with OCD, General Anxiety, Depression, and possible Bipolar. Thus, due to depression, I turned back to art during my time in Naval Separations drawing my surroundings. I haven't turned away from art since and have used it as a form of therapy to get through my many health issues since. I create what inspires me and I have taken lessons from local great artist's such as Color Pencil Artist's Cathy Fithian and Amy Lindenberger, and Massillon, Ohio Renaissance Painter and teacher, Frank Dale. I have learned much from them and continue to grow. I have a studio and gallery in downtown Canton, Ohio and have been included in many art shows with many local amazing talents. It has been an amazing experience returning to the world of art and I wouldn't leave!
I have been battling mental illness since my college days but greatly since 2005. I battle memory problems due to it so it comes and goes based on the factors taking place within my brain. Additionally, I was diagnosed with hemochromatosis in the fall of 2018, which hinders my energy levels and also adds to the memory issues.
It's been a constant struggle but I turned to art in 2011, after receiving my medical discharge from the Navy due to my cognitive problems. I have seen many doctors since 2006 and have gone through much cognitive testing. Additionally, I have been a guinea pug with medications. It has been my faith in my Creator and support from my family that has helped me get through the ordeal and memory problems, which lead to frustrations for when my memory does end up dissolving. I then have to go through the tedious procedure of studying everything I've ever done with hopes of bringing it back.
My art is part of me and i hope you enjoy it.
I usually have simultaneous projects taking place at once and am currently working on getting my college work published through self publishing and my travels from ten years ago where I traveled out west with a friend for a month. Due to my memory struggles and battle with health, it has been a challenge to achieve everything I wish to achieve.