For twenty years I was a professional fashion and portrait photographer in New York City and London. I was hired by Andy Warhol, photographed Kevin Bacon, Morgan Freeman, and Kate Moss for various magazines. I worked for Vogue, British Elle, GQ, Interview, and Details and others. From there I moved on to the challenge of painting the figure in a fantastical or surrealist setting. My images are figurative, narrative and allegorical. I often use combinations of my photographs for composition and ideas.

The paintings portray people, usually women, moving through staged dream worlds. The images are like single frames from lost films, or crystallized moments from otherwise vague memories. I paint heroines (and heroes) who are balancing the potential of wonder and joy, and the control and power that comes with that potential, with a sense of conflict and uncertainty. My paintings show the beginning of their understanding and connection. The conflict comes from social relationships, the unknown, and/or fear. The plot is not always clear to the people in my artworks, but the necessity for vigilance, readiness to act, and even a willingness to laugh is essential. The hybrid character is perhaps a way to connect with the inherent nobility of animals, and a reference to ancient traditions (Egyptian, Greek and Roman myths, Old Testatment, Native American myths, etc.)

There is often a wondrous effort in my characters’ energy. They are in flux, but there is a positive sense to it. The people I paint are striving for the goodness and adventure they want, deserve or need. They will complete their journeys. The most interesting part of their trip may be the meeting of potential and conflict.

EXHIBITIONS  

      2011      Solo exhibition, Virginia Inn, Seattle, WA
      2010      Beyond The Demos, PNCA, Portland, OR
      2010       Where Are We Going, Tbdloft, Bend, OR
      2010       The Figure, Franklin Crossing, Bend, OR
      2010       The Art of Teaching Art, Pinckney Gallery, COCC, Bend, OR
      2010       Broadsides, Atelier 6000, Bend, OR
      2009       All the Fun, The Pines, Hood River, OR           
      2009       Double Exposure, Atelier 6000, Bend, Oregon
      2009       Memento Mori, Poethouse, Bend, OR
      2009       Bugaboo, Atelier 6000, Bend, Oregon
      2009       Navigator News, Sisters, OR
      2008       Illustration, Atelier 6000, Bend, Oregon
      2008       Tumalo Art Gallery, Bend, OR
      2007       Cindercone Cooperative, Bend, Oregon
      2006       The Passenger, Gallery 3.5, Montclair State Univ., NJ
      2005       Allegory of the Monkey, Gallery 3.5, Montclair State Univ.,
      2005       After Looms, Gallery 3.5, Montclair State University, New Jersey
      2005       Women’s Resilience/Que Pasa Aqui, Montclair State, NJ
      1997       What She Was Thinking Of, Hudson Grill Gallery, New York, NY
      1995       Angles, solo show, Photography Gallery, Univ. of CA, Berkeley

EDUCATION

Master’s in Art, art education, Montclair State University, NJ
Bachelor of Arts, English, minor in art, University of California, Berkeley, CA