Let’s start from the beginning! Tell us a little about the journey that led you to where you are now.

After graduating college in 2014 (where I did not major in art), I was stumped with what to do with my life. I wanted to do humanitarian work around the world, not become an artist; it just wasn’t on my radar and was more of a hobby. I got a job in Magnolia’s retail store as they started to grow… I think I was their 20th employee? However, I had never seen the overlap between art and interior design. It was through their discovery of my personal portfolio and their encouragement for me to pursue my art that I really began to dream of what I could do with my art. After a few years, I moved to Newport Beach, California — I was working at a non-profit in event planning and as a contract artist on the side. I kept up with my art contract relationships as I stewarded my craft. Over time, it led to further contracts and partnerships. My experience also led me to a position as a designer for home décor products. Shortly after I started working in the field of interior design, I fell in love with it. Now, I love the intersection between fine art and interior design. I’m able draw from the experiences of each field when I work with textiles or make other design decisions. I guess you could say that everything all happened by chance, although I am a firm believer that everything is on purpose for a purpose.

What inspires you? What factors have influenced your style of art?

Nature and architecture inspire me. I’m also inspired by various interior designers and believe they’ve had the most influence on my current style. I am constantly looking at what is trending ahead, what colors or neutrals are being used, and how to create pieces that fit many different interior design styles. Why? Because I learned a long time ago that I could spend 6 months creating this masterpiece yet only a few people will want to hang it on their walls. I realized that we all love to curate and make our home unique to us. We all have specific taste and I wanted to create pieces that could be used in a modern home as well as an English cottage. I think first as a designer, which then flows into creating art.

What does your day-to-day entail?

Currently, my day-to-day looks like designing home décor products. I dream up seasonal concepts, color, and fresh ideas that will be launched in another year from now. I create artwork for specific products and sketch items in various categories. I will also sit down in the evenings to gather inspiration for fine art. I work on various pieces at one time on some weekends during the month. Those pieces are for any partnerships that I have as well as commissions. I do my best to balance my two roles — product designer and artist.

From oil-pastel drawings to pencil sketches and impressionist paintings, your portfolio incorporates a variety of art forms, mediums, and styles. What would you say is a unifying theme or motivation that describes your overall style?

The unifying theme is beauty; through landscapes or collages – I want beauty to be expressed. My style is motivated by many different design genres. I am truly inspired by so many things! I love the many different kinds of art, so it’s hard to be confined by claiming just one style. There are so many different ideas and creative inspirations inside of me that I just let loose and create. I am thankful to have the ability to use different forms and styles to create beauty and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What is the best piece of advice someone has ever given you as an artist? Or, what
advice would you share with others as an artist yourself?

The best advice I have been given is to remain inspired; to dream and to keep a wild imagination. To believe that nothing is impossible.

The advice that I would give someone — never give up. That may seem simple or cliché, but really! Don’t quit. Can you outlast the others? Please don’t stop doing what makes you come alive. No matter what comes your way – whether that be good days or bad days. If you keep going, you will eventually see the reward for your consistent work.

What’s next for you? How do you hope to see the impact of your work take form?

I have a few goals I’d like to accomplish over these next few years. I dream about creating my own portfolio that really expresses who I am as an artist. Using my favorite art mediums (colored pencils and oil paints) and art forms (realistic and abstract) to create a unique collection of larger pieces to be displayed in galleries or art shows. But, I am also looking for something with a deeper meaning and a deeper story that impacts the soul. I am still in the dreaming phase!

Favorite place to visit to spark inspiration?

Southern California or the Texas countryside.

Favorite artist(s) to date?

Claude Monet.

Color or neutrals?

Color.

Favorite medium to work with?

Oil paint.

Favorite space in your home?

My library! It’s moody with a patterned carpet, open shelves, and a marble fireplace. I often savor time in this space by dreaming up my next project over a fresh cup of coffee.