Inspired by my three daughters, I paint narratives about girlhood. As a mother and painter, I am constantly observing these young-women-to-be to see that they are thriving and well. The paintings reflect this watchful eye. Using events and concepts from our real lives, I explore the psychological and fleeting moments that make us who we are. Sometimes my daughters collaborate with me and we plan paintings together in settings such as forest fire sites and strange fancy picnic scenes in the desert.

The content of my work is linked to a long history of painting women, but my style and representation of girls depart from that tradition. Quality drawing and certain steps of underpainting are important to me, but I reduce and abstract the details –making bold gestural brushstrokes to complete the expression or composition. Most importantly, unlike the docile commodities of the past, the girls in my paintings are dignified and present. This is a new image of girlhood for contemporary art and culture.

I grew up in Edina, Minnesota and fell in love with painting at a young age. My earliest memories include standing in front an easel with a drippy loaded brush of bright thick paint and making drawings of my family and friends. I earned a BFA in painting from the University of Evansville, Indiana and was greatly influenced by old master paintings while studying in Florence, Amsterdam, and Spain. In addition to making art, I teach, curate, and partner in art communities such as GearBox Gallery, Los Angeles Art Association, Oakland Art Murmur, and Kipaipai Fellows. I exhibit throughout California, and paint in my Oakland and Los Angeles studios. In August 2024, I had a solo show with the Los Angeles Art Association at Gallery 825, and my current solo show is at Ryan Art Gallery in Rancho Palos Verdes (through Saturday March 22, 2025).