Halcyon Works Artist Questionnaire
Halcyon Works is a co-working space in the Paseo district in Oklahoma City where I have installed 4 of my larger paintings, Awakening, Bridge, Hastings and Brighton Beach. I absolutely love seeing my art this lovely space. Thanks, @ecooperstudio & @sculptorofrocks for having me!
What was the inspiration for your latest body of work? I drew inspiration from my everyday surroundings, the seasons, my travels, modern living, and weathered geological and industrial objects.
What is your process for developing a body of work? For the most part, I work intuitively and just explore the primacy of creating. I let the media guide my process and the compositions perpetually change in relation to various time and life experiences. In order to keep evolving, I search for visual solutions on one piece that I can transfer to the next. I focus on developing depth, space, form, color, and light while building and subtracting layers until I find balance.
What artist(s) influence your style the most? Artists like Gerhard Richter and Agnes Martin inspired me to take my own approach to my art. I also love Eva Hesse, Donald Judd, Robert Ryman, Ellsworth Kelly, and Richard Diebenkorn to name a few.
When did you first know you wanted to make art? I’ve always known. I remember as far back as the second grade. In high school, my parents took me to their friend, Charlie Clough’s art show and the idea really solidified then. I went to college with the intention of becoming an artist but I was also encouraged to attain a technological degree. So, I graduated with a B.F.A. and a minor in Visual Communications. Graphic Design became my main creative outlet for over a decade but I continued to draw and paint as a hobby. The idea of being a professional artist became a reality in 2011 when I co-founded Fringe women’s art group and became an apprentice for sculptor, David Phelps.
What are you currently reading/listening to/looking at that fuels your inspiration? I love to read and study art movements and artist biographies. I also look at a lot of interior design and architecture magazines. I take photos of sidewalks, industrial objects, shadows, landscapes and anything else that grabs my attention. Music in the studio is a must. I listen to everything from post-punk and post-jazz to hip-hop and reggae.
What is your favorite aspect of the OKC arts community? I feel embraced by the public, patrons and other artists. Oklahoma’s pioneering spirit is welcoming to local artists and there are plenty of opportunities and events where you can exhibit your work. I think OKC is on the right track and I hope it will be respected as a prominent arts destination one day.
What do you want your work to impart to your viewers? I want to sensitize and draw the viewer in to notice the physicality of the painting surface, color shifts, and forms. I hope to transfer a zen-like vibe to the audience, fill a void with something beautiful, and offer a visual escape from the technological overload we all experience.
You can visit Halcyon Works to see the installation until March 29th. Open Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm. Halcyon Works | 405 NW 30th Street | Oklahoma City, OK 73118. These works are available for purchase on my online shop.