My current show is running January 22-March 3rd at the The ArtCenter, near Chapel Hill, NC. Opening night is February 13th at 6pm, I hope to see you there. To see Artwork in this show, click here: PAINTINGS

Artist Statement 

There is an ill-informed narrative that has led many Americans to believe that serving in the military leaves you wounded and broken. I am here to suggest a different perspective: Military families are stronger and more prepared for life because of the challenges they face. This body of work addresses some of those challenges through the lens of connection, highlighting my family’s military service and the growth that can occur through challenging circumstances.

As an artist, I am a passionate creative that is inspired by nature, colors, textures, and patterns. I am also a proud Army spouse, wife, mother, citizen, and friend. I am better in each of these roles because I have been a military spouse for sixteen years. 16 years of deployments, re-integration, and frequent moves. 16 years of uncertainty and lack of control. 16 years of fighting to stay connected. 16 years of opportunity to GROW.

When we got married I had an idealistic vision of what kind of family I wanted to have: a close-knit unit with warmth and delight woven into the fabric of our family. Yet, two months into our marriage, this vision was put to the test when my soldier left on the first of what has become double digit deployments. He is gone even now as I write this. Initially, the vision we had for family and serving in the military seemed to be at odds, but we felt called to do both, so we jumped all in. We quickly learned that staying connected was something we had to fight for. If we were going to do this, we had to view it as serving together! Him leaving serves our country, but me staying serves our country too. I’m not saying it is always easy, but connection is a fight worth fighting. Through faith in God and commitment to our vows we are not just “making it,” we are still best friends and we are more in love today than when we started.

Connection is a choice

It is learning to ask for and accept help. It is being vulnerable. It is a willingness to try again. It is showing up for others. It can be inconvenient. It is forgiving. It is celebratory. It is generous. Purposeful connection is the glue that binds and builds relationships and it is what has sustained us as a family. Connection is community.

Growth is an outcome

The military lifestyle is inherently challenging, but just how fire is used to burn away impurities in gold, the challenges of military life have made me who I am today. And I like ME. Although I naturally want to play it safe, shying away from risk or mess, experience has taught me otherwise. So now I lean in when it gets hard, expecting to grow through the process. I hope this show encourages you to do the same.

There is gratitude that I get to serve! I am STRONGER FOR IT.