Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. -Picasso
Born and raised in the South I did not discover art until after high school but my creativity was there from birth as it is for all children. I used writing, decorating, and fashion to express myself before I discovered painting at Christian Brothers University where I obtained a B.A. in Psychology and an Art minor. I later returned to school at the University of Memphis to pursue studio practices and spent two summers in Uganda working with war affected youth. This experience led me to Brooklyn, NY where I received my Masters of Professional Studies in Creativity Development and Art Therapy at Pratt Institute while working with a variety of populations including adults with co-ccurring disorders, at-risk youth, and adult psychiatric inpatients. During this time I was afforded the opportunity to co-author and publish a chapter for Palgrave Macmillan in African Childhoods, Painting a Picture of Creative Arts Therapy for War-Affected Youth in Northern Uganda. I have since continued work with inpatient and outpatient as well as partial hospitalization. I have worked with adults and adolescents and currently serve as a community counselor for children and families on the Gila River Indian Reservation.
I have always been interested in the process of art-making: the gathering, sorting, mixing, and combining. I often use my whole body to pour large quantities of paint over large surfaces of wood or canvas allowing myself to work intuitively and spontaneously; then adding found objects. This approach parallels the art therapy process in which the therapist often intuits the next creative intervention.
I have always been interested in the process of art-making: the gathering, sorting, mixing, and combining. I often use my whole body to pour large quantities of paint over large surfaces of wood or canvas allowing myself to work intuitively and spontaneously; then adding found objects. This approach parallels the art therapy process in which the therapist often intuits the next creative intervention.