If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint." Edward Hopper, artist

         I was raised in a small, rural community in North Carolina.  I am a first generation college student.  As a child, I wanted to be a dinosaur doctor, but growing up meant the stunning realization that dinosaurs were extinct.  So I went with the next best thing: a science teacher.  I met a wonderful science teacher in the 9th grade who taught physical science using skateboards and explosives.  I wanted to be him...until I had to dissect a frog.  It was then I realized that I was not cut out to teach science.
          Art has been a love of mine since I was in the 4th grade, creating little cartoon people in my daily language arts journal.  I practiced drawing at home and at school.  My math teachers were none too happy with me drawing during their classes, but I was deeply, madly in love with art. 
          I attended Appalachian State University as a Teaching Fellow majoring in Art Education. During my time there, I studied art abroad in France and Italy. In 2011, I completed my graduate studies at East Carolina University, culminating with a Masters in Art Education. In 2012, I achieved National Board Certification.
        
         I believe that creating art taps into the expanse of art history 
which represents the best of humanity through the ages. I 

love the process of creating art.  When I am creating, I am 

communicating thoughts and ideas in a way that is symbolic and

accessible to all.  Making art isn't just what I do, it's who I am.

My oldest son's first birthday!