Q&A:

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Westborough, Massachusetts with my amazing parents and two older sisters. We spent our summers on Cape Cod at our home in Chatham, Massachusetts. Even though I no longer live in Massachusetts, I make it a priority to visit Chatham during the warmer months.

Where do you live currently?

I currently live in Charleston, SC.

When did you realize you were really good at art? Or that you had a passion for it?

I have always had a passion for art and design. When I was a child I would make collages and paint watercolors with my sisters. I had a dream of becoming a fashion designer because I was mesmerized by patterns. During my childhood I would go to sewing classes rather than sports and would knit before school- somewhat embarrassing, but I believe these activities were a creative outlet for me as a child!

I did not begin “really” drawing until I was 17 years old. My grandmother’s battle with Altzheimers was difficult for me to process and I found drawing helped me cope. During this time, my high school art teacher not only mentored me through graphite illustration but also encouraged me to explore my talents and pushed me to experiment with all different mediums. I created dresses from leaves, paintings from the juice of blueberries, and block-printed with pinecones on canvas bags I sewed myself. I have always been interested in creating art that goes past your walls. When I was 18, a portrait I drew of my grandmother was on display at The United States Capitol Building. The same piece was also bought and used as the cover of a textbook for a university in China. Moments like these made me realize that I could make art and design my future.

Who would be an artist that you love or that may have inspired you to keep pursuing art?

As an artist, I have been very inspired by the work of Shepard Fairey, Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dalí. Aside from other artists, I am extremely inspired by various cultures and their approach to creating art. I especially enjoy Indian textiles!

How would you describe your artistic style?

When describing my artistic style I would say my work is playful, illustrative and fluid. I enjoy working with a variety of mediums but favor pen & ink, acrylic paint, fabric and digital illustration. For me I am often inspired by human interaction, societal normalities/ abnormalities, internal battles and nature. I also love painting animals and capturing mood/ personality through my subject matter and artistic approach. I have done a great deal of custom tattoo illustration which is one of my favorite things to do! As I mentioned, I am passionate about creating art that goes past your walls. This idea has led me to turn my art into usable items such as pillows, bags, towels and more!

Is there a place or time of day that you feel the most creative?

I feel most inspired when I am outside people watching or spending time in nature. I have always enjoyed beginning my sketching phase at Kudu; my favorite coffee shop in Charleston.

Do you have a favorite piece? If so, why do you love that one more than the others?

This is a hard question! I really cannot choose a single favorite piece but I do have a couple that come to mind. My painting titled “Bertha” was the first time I created a large-scale, animal piece. I painted “Bertha” during my 2nd year at College of Charleston. She reminds me of a carefree, lively and exciting time during my life. I also really enjoy my piece “Vanity”. “Vanity” was part of an exhibition that included 4 drawings, two mixed- media paintings and a tapestry made from over 200 used makeup wipes. This piece stood out to me because I felt it really showed my growth and the evolution of my artistic style. I explored texture, shape and pattern while incorporating makeup, fabric, hair and packaging supplies in this piece. Lastly, the graphite portrait of my grandmother during her battle with Alzheimers gave me the confidence to continue creating. I also am really proud of my wallpaper brand, Gable Ridge. I have two collections of niche wallpaper designs that were inspired by my childhood and time spent on Cape Cod.

Are there other art styles that you are excited to try but just haven't done it yet?

Yes- I want to try all of it! I’d like to explore sculpture, pottery and continue my practice in textiles while learning new applications of pattern through unconventional materials.

What are some of the challenges of being an artist?

As an artist I find it challenging and discouraging to be referred to as a “starving artist”. I believe that where there is passion and hardwork, money will follow. It is also challenging to self-advertise and promote your own work! There is a business behind every artist who sells their work. I earned a BA in Studio Art with a minor in Arts Management and Women and Gender Studies. Looking back, I wish I had learned more about building a business and bookkeeping. It is easy to romanticize the idea of being an artist but you must remember all the back end work that takes a ton of time, organization and hustle.

How did you get connected with Nectar?

I got connected with Nectar by going to a SoFar Sounds Concert with some friends! I met Sean and we got to talking about my work, his brand and making something cool together.

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