MY ARTISTIC JOURNEY

I had- have- no talent.

As a kid, I showed no artistic aptitude. I never showed any artistic talent. My paintings never made it to the classroom wall, and even my parents didn’t deem them refrigerator-worthy. Though I never took an art course, I always appreciated art, investing in lithographs, prints, and anything I could afford to bring beauty and creativity into my world.

I enjoyed going to the various museums in New York City and viewing the street art. When I moved to Cleveland, I regularly attended the various art shows and observed the evolutions of the returning artists’ styles and expressions

When I retired, I wanted to begin a new learning that would challenge and excite me and allow me to create something uniquely me.

During the lockdown, I started coloring with my grandkids. What began as a bonding activity brought me closer not only to them but to myself. This newfound connection sparked a curiosity I couldn’t ignore. I took classes in drawing and representational and abstract water color and acrylic painting from some incredibly talented and supportive instructors. I also devoured endless YouTube content.

For me - art is the ultimate self-expression. I make art because I love the process of making it and the surprise of the finished product. I’ve learned that what others call “talent” is merely the aggregation of curiosity, passion, and time.

MY ART

I would describe my art as non-objective mixed media abstract. I work intuitively, unbound by a specific style or medium. My art emerges through experimentation and improvisation, mirroring my past experiences in stand-up comedy and improv.

Each piece is a problem-solving adventure. Every brushstroke, mark, or audition sparks a decision about what to do next. I thrive on building layers, textures, and contrasts that make my work dynamic, provocative, and visually alive.

Ambivalence and tension intrigue me - I enjoy exploring the interplay of harmony and discord. Some pieces are meditative and balanced, while others are chaotic and frenzied. Sometimes, that contrast exists within the same piece. To me, this duality reflects the times we live in: anxious, uncertain, and angry, yet also full of beauty and hope. My art is an expression of these conflicting energies and an glimpse into my soul. I embrace both my brightest and darkest emotions, channeling them into something authentic, engaging, and uniquely me.

Like the artists I observed at the yearly art festivals, I am experimenting, learning, and evolving.

I love the journey.

Participant- “Art for the Masses” - Cleveland Heights- February 2024

Exhibitor- “Out of This World” - Beachwood Community Center- April 2024

Juried Entrant - Gates Mills Art Show - April 2024

Juried Entrant - Fairmount Center for the Arts - July 2024

Exhibitor - Grumpy’s Cafe - Tremont August 2024

Waterloo Arts Festival - September 2024