Where Did I Come From?
I was born in Florida, and I grew up (mostly?) in Vermont, no town in particular.
My core family moved around a lot between states and towns. I like to say that I am the result of parents that were black sheep trying to find their places in this world. Because of this, I experienced (was exposed to) many places, and walks of life. By the time I was on my own, I decided to stay in Vermont as I felt that is where I had the most connection with people, and a comfortable familiarity.
While each parent had their own creative side (Mother, photographer/Painter/ex hippy. Father, Carpenter/Creative/ex-Carny. Step Father Writer/Theologist/ex punk) I did not consider art until I was older. Sure, I always ended up with “class artist” certificates in each school I attended, and more than once I exchanged art for other students lunch money. But I never saw it as MY thing, just as something I could do. I struggled with a lot of subjects in grade school, due to undiagnosed dyslexia with a small sprinkle of adhd.
Originally I thought I wanted to go to school to be a forensic scientist or part of the FBI. I always love detective shows and true crime. No one could win against me in the game of clue, and I surprised my parents a few times with solving a few real life mysteries. But when it came to college my anxiety stopped me from pursuing any further. I just did not have the outgoing tough skin personality that could fit into that world. So I traded criminal justice classes for art classes. Art was easy, it wasn’t stressful, and it was something I could do while figuring out what I could actually pursue as a career.
After 2 years in community college I decided to attend a school with a fine art degree. I didn’t know what I wanted to be, or could do, and I felt I had no choice but to attend school so might as well pick something I found easy. After a year in fine arts, my life got stuck. Life troubles and realizing fine art was less of a career path than something more practical, I decided to take some time off to the displeasure of my family.
It ended up being a short break as I looked at a single college near where I was and found they had a Graphic Design and Illustration program. A few years later I graduated with a Bachelors degree, and shortly after became a professional graphic designer.
What Type Of Artist Am I?
I consider myself a chaos artist as I jump around between media and have many interests. Perhaps this is a reflection of the indecisive nature for which I was raised.
The only somewhat consistent thing with my art is it has mostly been alternative in nature. I have always liked art that had a lot going on, art that was fantasy or surrealistic in nature, and art that is a bit dark and twisted. My art has been described as “both morbid and brilliant”, “whimsical”, and “what the hell is that?”-husband.
Throughout my life I have changed and explored many different media and subjects. I have never been able to stick to just one thing for vary long. As I learned and grew as a person, so did my understanding of what art I enjoy doing. I also came to accept the fact that I need to jump around in media and subjects to prevent burnout.
Now in my late 30’s, I have a stronger sense of my go-to materials. I learned it is ok to work across the board and be diverse if that is what fuels me. I also know materials I do NOT enjoy and what ones I still would like to try.
Art should be a safe place to explore, and ever changing, just like life.
What Is Happening Now…?
In September of 2023 I was let go from my graphic design job, and find my life at another pause point. The industry has changed dramatically in such a short period of time I am finding it hard to break back in. Which leaves me back to questioning what my career is going to be.
In the interim, I am teaching myself webdesign through making a few personal sites to show my work. I am occasionally drawing, and tabling at a few local conventions, and doing odd jobs and commissions.
Most days I spend my time hanging out with my 4 fur kids, going to the gym, updating my Patreon and living the best I can during this uncertain phase.