Short Bio
Equine and Western Art: deconstructed realism in acrylic medium
Statement
My art is a fusion of paint with my poetry. I begin by writing on my canvas and allow the script to influence both the overall thematic and structural composition of the painting as well as specific marking within it. Layers of texture medium and color washes in an earthy palette are intentionally built up, allowing the poem to speak in a visual way. Sometimes I leave script showing and other times I keep it hidden, either way it infuses my painting with a unique dynamic element. It is a very vulnerable part of my creative voice that I have found not only cathartic in my own development creatively and personally, but also profoundly connects others to my work. My art is mainly inspired by the wild things of the West, for they resonate with me deeply and inspire me endlessly.
Resume / CV
Summer 2015: Invitational solo art exhibit at gallery in Stettler, Alberta, Canada
Winter 2016: Arts in Harmony International juried art show, MN
Summer 2016: 3 year exhibit at Studio 391, Northrup King Building, Minneapolis, MN
Spring 2017: Rocky Mountain Horse Expo juried art show, Denver, CO
Fall 2017: Art at the Bridgewater curated art exhibit, Minneapolis, MN
Fall 2017: AutumNE art show, NEMAA fall art exhibit, Minneapolis, MN
Fall 2017: Exhibit at Stillwater Art Guild Gallery, Stillwater, MN
Winter 2018: Featured artist on VOA (Voice of America, international news network) in a news special about women working in unusual roles.
Spring 2018: Founded Gallery Equus, an equine fine art gallery in Minneapolis, MN
Spring 2018: Rocky Mountain Horse Expo juried art show, Denver, CO
Summer 2018: “Top 12 paintings” achievement in juried international art competition for IALHA
Fall 2018: Invitational solo exhibit for the full month of September in Stillwater Art Guild Gallery, MN
Spring 2019: 1st place award (blue ribbon) at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo juried Art Exhibition, Denver, CO
Spring 2019: Auspicious equine portrait commission of 2016 Rio Olympic equestrian dressage athlete
Summer 2019: Commissioned painting for Arabian Horses For Humanity (life size statue project to benefit equestrian therapy program for military veterans)
Spring 2022: Juried invitational solo art exhibit at Ely Historic State Theater, MN
Summer/Fall 2022: Multiple juried art fairs in MN
Spring 2023: Winner of MN Ultimate Painter competition, Mall Of America, MN
Spring 2023: Commissioned by city of Stillwater, MN to create equine mural in Union Art Alley
Summer 2023: Commissioned by city of Detroit Lakes, MN to create 150ft long mural on Becker County office building.
Summer/Fall 2023: Multiple juried art fairs
Spring 2024: Juried exhibition at Phippen Museum of Western Art, AZ
Upcoming Summer 2024: Accepted into multiple juried art fairs in AZ, NE, & MN
Upcoming Fall 2024: Invited by jury into the Western Design Conference as 1 of 100 nationally acclaimed western artists, Jackson Hole, WY
Ongoing: Maintaining leadership & operation of Gallery Equus, including creating and selling new paintings for ongoing changing exhibits
