I grew up on a dead end dirt road south of Muskogee, Oklahoma, where the grass was long and green, and shoes were optional. I was more preoccupied with digging in the dirt and chasing chickens when I was little than I was with art, but by the time I was in middle school my Aunt had gifted me my first sketchbook. Where it ended up, I have no idea, but I still remember how dismal my first attempts at drawing a horse were.
Drawing was a hobby for me until I started college, where I took a drawing class for fun. Then I took another drawing class, and then a watercolor class, and pretty soon I was majoring in Studio Art, not quite able to pin point when I decided I was going to continue. My work then did not revolve around Western Art, but I gravitated to the subject after graduation and moving to the edge of the prairie.
Artist Statement
My work revolves around the American West; from the connection between the working man and domesticated animal, to our more elusive wild neighbors in their natural habitat. I am moved by the small moments that often get lost in the grandeur of the West, and look for these subtle gestures and quiet relationships when creating. Often my reference comes from local rodeos, during road trips, or on the side of the road on the way home from the store, as I strongly believe that, in order to paint something, you must first experience it.
I create using watercolor, working with the transparency of the medium to build up a life like representation of my subjects though multiple layers. Though I loose much of the unpredictability of the paint within these layers, I allow myself to bring back the playfulness of watercolor in the background and around the edges of the painting with vibrant splashes of color. This final addition to my paintings is sheer joy to add to the paper, but it is also my way of reminding myself that my work is about the little things.
CV
Education
2017 BFA Studio Art, Oklahoma State University
Memberships
Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC-OK)
Cowgirl Artists of America - Founding Member (CGA)
Juried Shows
2023
Momentum by Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition
2022
51st Annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale by Cherokee Heritage Center
(2022-24) 24 Works on Paper Traveling Exhibition by Oklahoma Visual Artists Coalition
27th Annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show and Sale by Cherokee Heritage Center
Oklahoma: We Belong by Modella Art Gallery
Small Works Show by Paseo Art Gallery
2021
50th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale by Cherokee Heritage Center
26th Annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show and Sale by Cherokee Heritage Center
Volunteer Work/Fundraisers
2023
Edmond Institute of Fine Arts Annual 5x5 Art Show and Sale
Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition 12x12 Art Fundraiser
2022
Edmond Institute of Fine Arts Annual 5x5 Art Show and Sale
OVAC 12 x 12 Art Exhibition and Fundraiser
2021
Oklahoma City Artfest Set Up
Awards
2022
Curator’s Honorable Mention Award - 24 Works on Paper
Press
Debi Turley “A-OK at OVAC: The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition Strengthens the Artistic Fabric of the State” Oklahoma Magazine August 2022, pg. 13
Micah Fletcher. “‘24 Works on Paper’ tour includes Cherokee artist” Cherokee Phoenix, digital publication, March 21, 2023
Grauer, Micheal. Smith, Keri. “One Curator: 24 Works on Paper” Art Focus Fall 2022, Volume 37 No. 4, pg. 12-15
Continued Education
2022
Oil Painting with Aaron Blaise, Digital Course
Instagram Membership Workshop by Cowgirl Artists of America
2021
Landscape Sketching in Watercolor and Gouache with Nathan Fawkes, Self-Led Schoolism Course
Drawing Wolves, Coyotes and Foxes with Aaron Blaise, Digital Course
2020
Environment and Light with John Burton, Self-Led Schoolism Course
Introduction to Digital Painting with Andrew Hou, Self-Led Schoolism Course
Intro to Surface Pattern Design with Bonnie Christine, Online Workshop