About The Artist
Early Years
I grew up in a small Northeast Ohio town. I have an older sister and a mess of step and in-law siblings. My parents divorced when I was 8, so I split my time between my dad's suburban home and my mom's horse farm.
Growing up on the farm taught me hard work and dedication. I loved riding horses, tearing through the fields on quads, fishing and being free to run. I love the wide open fields and smell of dust and animals.
I didn't have many friends growing up; only one really close friend, Erika. I was very shy and only liked talking to adults. I honestly didn't show much interest or skills in art until the end of middle school.
High School
I owe a lot of my skill and passion for art to my High School Art Teacher, Mr. Hoopes. He taught me skills and techniques that shaped me into the artist I am today. I was also inspired by my friends Robin, CJ, Erika and Stephanie, who are also amazing artists.
The school I went to was very up-tight and preppy. I really didn't fall into any "Cliques", so I stuck to the few friends I had. We all were different in our own way and didn't fit in anywhere. I dealt with a lot of depression because of my parents divorce and remarriages, so I am very thankful to my friends for being there at some of my lowest points.
To Chicago and Back!
When I was only 18, I met a man that would change my life forever. He convinced me to leave everything I knew behind and move to Chicago to find better opportunities. Though I came from a comfortable middle-class family who would gladly assist me, I was desperate to prove to myself and the world I could make it on my own.
After moving to Chicago, I faced many trials. I had to buckle down and get a full-time job as an assistant manager at a local restaurant to get by. This gave me a lot of experience that I am very thankful for and broke me out of my shy, self-centered shell. Eventually, I decided it was best we go separate ways and moved back to Ohio in 2018 to re-center myself.
California and Covid
At the beginning of 2020 I went to visit my partner, William, in California. While I was there, the Pandemic began and I was stuck there. We feared traveling back to Ohio would be too risky. After months of being together 24/7, we figured why not just move me in!
I now have my very own studio space where I can work comfortably and truly pursue my dream of being a self-sustaining artist! I am thankful everyday for William and his wonderful Grandparents for supporting me through all this madness.