I was born and raised in San Francisco, a city with a history of cultural diversity and visual impact, of Bohemia and revolution, a city where epic movements in art, literature and music flourished. 

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Growing up, this city was my playground. Childhood memories were of walks through the Italian district and its neighboring Chinatown.  I remember being fascinated by the many storefronts displaying the colors, calligraphy and eclectic nature culture of our culture, which inspired and kindled my creative spirit. 

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I spent my youth in the San Francisco of the 60's, "tuned in" to the Cultural Revolution. As I grew, so did my passion for color and symmetry. I began to pursue the arts, attending art school in Oxford, England and ultimately receiving a Masters degree from the San Francisco Art Institute. The years spent at the Art Institute were highly inspirational as they were spent in the company of and under the tutelage of some of the most well renowned American artists of that time. 

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Over the years, I continued to paint, but, at a certain point, I decided to pursue a career in the fashion industry. I relocated to Los Angeles where I attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and ultimately worked in the industry as a fashion designer, both in Los Angeles and San Francisco for many years. 

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In 2010, I reached a pivotal point in my life and began a journey which eventually led me back to my studio where I began a series of "Urban Landscapes" which emerged from my memories of growing up in San Francisco. 

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Scenes of our urban culture continue to fascinate and inspire me. My work represents a moment in time which captures a glimpse of how we live our lives, be it a street scene where there is a juxtaposition of old and new or the emotional imprint of graffiti, a whimsical storefront or the colours, shapes and symmetry of the fruits and vegetables displayed in the mercado. Sometimes, it is the simple beauty of an object. 

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My journey continues and it has brought me to Italy, where I now live. I spend my days painting under the beautiful light of the Tuscan sky and taking in Italys rich culture and history of the arts. I am perpetually inspired by my surroundings, the sage advise of a well known artist, teacher and mentor resonates within me,

"Paint What You Love."

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ARTISTIC MEDIUM

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My images are created using watercolor pencils on heavyweight, lignin  free illustration board. This medium allows for intricate detail while maintaining the beauty and integrity of watercolor transparencies. I sometimes add the use of gauche, acrylic, metal leaf and found objects. 

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT :                                                                 

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Education:                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                             

Ruskin School of Fine Art and Drawing                                                         

Oxford, England

                                                                                                                             

San Francisco Academy of Arts                                                                       

San Francisco, California

                                                                                                                             

San FranciscoArt Institute                                                                              

San Francisco California

                                                                                                                             

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.                                         

Los Angeles, California

                                                                                                                            

 EXHIBITS

 

De Young Museum

San Francisco, California

LeviDenim Exhibit                                                                                                                         

 

SFAC Gallery

San Francisco, California

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Vessel Gallery

Oakland, California

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Open Studio

Marin County, California 

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Grand Marche d'art Contemporain

Paris, France

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Expo4Art

Paris, France

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Private collectors located in Madrid, Paris, Tuscany and the San Francisco Bay Area

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