In August 2021, I was standing on a lift 30 feet above the ground putting the final touches on the biggest mural I had ever done in my life for YorkFest. Parliament Arts Organization and Sprocket Mural Works had given me one of the most challenging endeavors I had ever undertaken, and as I reflected back on the past six years I had spent living in York…. I felt immensely grateful.
Since planting my roots here in 2017, I have undergone a dramatic artistic transformation. I have found a way to express my own vision.
In May 2018, I entered the York art scene as a stand holder inside York Central Market operating an artist collective, Naked Chick Art. During the five years that business was open, I made strong connections with local artists and businesses, some who relied on me to create or help curate captivating visuals for their establishments:
My work can be seen throughout Central Market—my artwork adorns Two Wild and Crabby Guys, The Grilled Cheeez, Central Dog House, Three Hogs Barbecue, in addition to Strawberry Fields Pottery Studio, Mexitaly Brick Oven Brewhouse and the White Rose Bar and Grill conference room.
While living in York, my style has evolved dramatically. The decades of painting and faux finishing have led me to a completely new style that allows me to incorporate whimsical elements with dream-like backdrops. I replaced my dreaded, realistic backgrounds with techniques I perfected as a muralist and faux finisher. Latex and metallic paint are my mediums of choice , I overlap these with wallpaper stencils to create my backgrounds and then paint my subjects in acrylics on top of that dreaminess.
My focus has shifted from walls to canvas, and has freed my imagination to paint scenes creating my own world. One where animals and bugs replaced people, but retained the emotion and interaction of human connection. I paint a dream world where animals find communion, and would prefer to eat cupcakes instead of one another. I want the viewer to appreciate the beauty and mood of the animals, find connection and smile. I don’t feel art has to be complicated to be relevant. My intention is to convey happiness, focusing on positivity, fun and whimsy. I want to encourage the viewer to imagine the story and relationships between the cute creatures I love to paint.
York has been a place that has allowed me to flourish and find an audience, to grow and perfect these visions that I have had since I was 12 years old, when I painted my bedroom walls with my dreams.
I have been fortunate enough to pursue my creative impulses and make a viable living while making others happy. It’s like I’ve plugged into some vital source that allows me to live a life of independence and constant creative pursuit.
I gained knowledge and confidence growing my business in York, which led to an opportunity to open my own storefront- The Artful Nest in Marietta, PA. In stocking my boutique, I continue to create while reaching out to like-minded local artists and others from around the world. I enjoy not only offering their nature inspired, happy and handmade items, but also connecting with the artists and constantly finding myself inspired by them. The connections I made in York made this possible and it is one of the most rewarding steps I’ve made.
As I look forward to completing a new public mural in Harrisburg this fall, I’m appreciative of how York has facilitated my growth and motivated me to flourish. I am grateful for the reception I’ve received here and the support that drives me forward.
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