Artist’s Statement
As Artist’s are defined by a medium of choice, I should call myself a painter. I am also deeply intrigued by clay and resin. In all of my works, the natural world is prevalent. I am fascinated by earth’s magnificence, the ocean, and the land. My painting process is natural, instinctual, emotional, and subconscious. I have focused on geologic phenomena and chemical reactions; not only within the realm of natural science, but also within the physicalities of paint and resin. My current works reflect my affinity for these natural journeys as well as my own, as I’ve settled into island life. In 2013, I moved from Michigan to Water Island, a small US Virgin Island in the Caribbean. With the ocean as my muse, I try to recreate the emotion of the landscape. My paintings and murals are semi-photorealistic with touches of surrealism.
Both my resin and ceramic work are representational, sculptural, and mostly figurative. Epoxy resin moves much like water. It is free and nonconfined until one directs it. There is much room for nature to take it’s course as the resin cures and the colors mix and flow.
My murals take me out of my ego and force me to see the big picture. When I paint on a large vertical surface, my whole body becomes a utensil and I visualize the feeling of what I’m trying to depict. I try to really understand the subject, most often the ocean, and it’s vibrance.
In all mediums, I hope to encourage viewers to reflect on their own lives and create a personal bond to nature in their own way. I hope to inspire the same awe towards the environment that I have as well as seeing the ironic and beautiful relationship we have with it.
CV
Curriculum Vitae
Profile
I am a 34 year old graduate working and living in the US Virgin Islands. I have always had a great interest for the natural world and human’s interaction therein. I adore my family, I love the ocean, and I can’t stop creating. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Wayne State University in May, 2011 and traveled through a work exchange program to the US Virgin Islands in January 2013 where I now live, work, and create. I love to paint murals and I have exhibited my artworks and paintings in galleries throughout Michigan and St Thomas, and hope to continue to utilize my education and talents here in the USVI.
I am a partial owner of a small art gallery and shaved ice shop called The Crossing, on Water Island, where we have created a space for locals to display and sell their artwork and creations.
Experience
Partial Owner and Manager
Virgin Ice at the Crossing, Water Island, USVI. 2019-present
organizing, curating, and displaying artwork, sales manager, special events coordinator
Mural Artist
freelance, Water Island, USVI. 2013-present
Commissioned mural artist at various commercial and residential locations in the Virgin Islands.
Pool technician/cleaner
Rachael Ackley, Water Island, USVI. 2018-present
Tasks include cleaning pools, knowledge of and administering chemicals, pump room maintenance.
Production Painter
Diane Artware, St. Thomas, USVI. 2016-present
Paint Christmas ornaments to fulfill customer orders and help with studio happenings.
Yacht Chef and Stewardess
M/Y Altitude Adjustment II, Atlantic Ocean, US. 2017
Aboard this yacht, I was responsible for day-to-day operations of the vessel mostly including, but not limited to, preparing three meals a day for 6 guests and three crew, cleaning all guest and crew cabins, laundry, shopping for all needs, and communications between marina operators, owners, and crew.
Chef and Bartender
Heidi’s Honeymoon Grill, Water Island, USVI. 2013- 2019
I was chef and bartender serving the in the tourism business on the beach; Managing a team of 13 employees while being lead cook, working between 20 and 90 hours per week. Our restaurant also catered events ranging between 6 and 300 people. I was in charge of employee scheduling, public relations, advertising, serving, and cooking for thousands of tourists and locals per week. I managed daily kitchen operations, oversaw food preparation and production, ensuring 100% compliance with food and safety regulations. I interviewed, hired, trained, and directed all employees. I developed a breakfast menu which I was solely in charge of preparing, setting up, and operating seasonally.
Gallery internship
The Firebrick Gallery and Pottery Studio, Rochester, MI 2011-2013
I helped teach ceramic classes and also helped maintain the shop while learning how to run a gallery and all it entails to be a successful business.
Ceramics instructor
The Firebrick Gallery and Pottery Studio, Rochester, MI 2011-2013
I began teaching 8 week courses of Beginning Throwing classes and daily or weekend workshops for all ages in all art mediums. I have opened and closed the gallery, run the register and was in charge of sales as well as traveling craft shows and fundraisers. I would also load and unload kilns, and run the shop accordingly.
Pool technician/supervisor
Pools by Poye, Bloomfiield Hills, MI 2005-2013
Tasks include cleaning the pool, knowledge of and administering chemicals, pump room maintenance, bathroom maintenance, and communication with residents. Became a supervisor of all employee and HOA board member communication and scheduling, office administrations and emailing, and on call pump room maintenance work for multiple pool locations.
Education
2011 Bachelor of Fine Arts: Painting and Ceramics, Wayne State University- Detroit, Michigan (Magna Cum Laude)
2011 Gallery Internship Course, Wayne State University
2007 Advanced Drawing class, Kendall College of Art and Design
2007 Stoney Creek High School, Rochester, Michigan (Cum Laude)
Areas of Specialization: Painting and Ceramics
Awards/Honors
2011 Wayne state university, Magna Cum Laude. Detroit, Michigan — Bachelor in Fine Arts: Painting and Ceramics
2011 Undergraduate Research Creative Projects Award, Wayne State University
2010 Sylvia Marciniak Award Scholarship, Wayne State University
2010 2nd place in the Detroit Artist’s Market Wayne State Scholarship Show
2008 National Society of Collegiate Scholars, NSCS member, May 2008-May 2011
Group Exhibitions
2011 “WSU Undergraduate Exhibition,” Wayne State University, Art Department Gallery, (Juried by art faculty)
2010 “Annual Scholarship Awards and Exhibition: Wayne State University,” Detroit Artist’s Market, Detroit, Michigan (Juried by Scholarship Exhibition Committee)
2010 “Downtown Rochester Art Walk,” Eugenia’s 3rd St Hair/Gallery, Rochester, Michigan
2010 “WSU Undergraduate Exhibition,” Wayne State University, Art Department Gallery, (Juried by art faculty)
2009 “WSU Undergraduate Exhibition,” Wayne State University, Art Department Gallery, (Juried by art faculty)
Commissioned Mural Locations
2013 “We’re not nuts, just a little dinghy,” 4’x10′, Dinghy’s Beach Bar, Water Island, USVI.
2013 “Buddha”, 2’x4′, Four Elements retreat and healing center, Water Island, USVI.
2013 “Ganesh”, 2’x4′, Four Elements retreat and healing center, Water Island, USVI.
2013 “Cistern Sea Scape”, 6’x17′, Four Elements retreat and healing center, Water Island, USVI.
2014 “Kegerator Island Scape”, 2’x3.5’x2′, residential home, Water Island, USVI.
2019 “Whale Mural”, 36’x6′, Residential home, Water Island, USVI
2020 “Seascape”, 32’x4′, Residential home, Water Island, USVI
2020 “Northside Sea Scape” 11’x4′, Residential home, St Thomas, USVI.
2021 “Deep Sea Fishing Mural”, 50’x8′, Residential home, Water Island, USVI.
2023 “Three Palms”, 3’x’4 mural, Residential home, Water Island, USVI.
Skills
The Creative Projects Award I received from Wayne State University in 2011 allowed me to travel for research regarding agates and other gemstones. I then created a series of large scale paintings and presented the works and my research to Wayne State students, faculty, and scholars. I enjoy painting murals, commissioned or personal, in my free time. I am caring and hard working, I feel comfortable being a leader and group member, I am great with time management, and finishing all tasks assigned to me. I enjoy labor intensive jobs, and am a fast learner. I have worked swimming pool maintenance for over 15 years and feel I can work well under pressure. I have been painting for as long as I can remember. I look at tasks creatively and like to add a bit of imagination to all things I do while keeping a great reverence for nature, health, and travel.
Art on an Island 