ABOUT

QUICK INTRO

Rather than live up to the expectations of those from my high school past to graduate with a super science degree from an Ivy League or Military Academy, I started my own art business to pursue my dreams and inspire others to have the confidence to do what they love. So if you are not here to be inspired or view my gallery, get off my website and go DO something YOU love. Time is precious.

FAMILY AND PERSONAL LIFE

I grew up in a small town on a grape farm in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania surrounded by family. Besides drawing, I loved to play outside in the creek, mud, and vineyards. Today, I look forward to helping with harvest and smelling the grapes. Other activities I enjoy include swimming and running. I currently run competitively in cross country and track in college at California University of PA (now PennWest California). Before high school my father was diagnosed with a brain tumor and passed the fall of my sophomore year of high school, greatly impacting my life. Today, I am inspired to keep drawing and running for him because I know how proud he would be that I have chosen this path.

COLLEGE AND CAREER

Making my college decision was very difficult for me. I graduated top of my high school class and with that there was a lot of pressure to apply to prestigious schools. I was expected go into a super science major and graduate with multiple degrees and a masters. Trying to live up to these expectations I decided to go into engineering at California University of PA and apply to the United States Naval Academy. After a rigorous application process that took nine months to complete, I received my acceptance letter to USNA. I originally accepted my offer. However, before Induction Day I thought about my life a lot and what means the most to me: my family and what I love to do. I realized that I wanted to attend the academy for the status and to say I went there more than I wanted to go. On the day I was supposed to report, I sent an email and declined my offer stating I would not be reporting that day. I have never had to make a harder decision in my life. However, I am still happily attending California University of PA and running full time. I switched out of engineering to pursue what makes me happy and am now studying digital media technology while growing this website and my art business.

ART INFLUENCES

I started drawing at a very young age and did it often, but I had no art education, tutorials, or classes besides those offered at school. It is something I have always been naturally gifted in. I was often beyond the levels of those classes and my teachers made accommodations for me. My junior high teacher gave me the opportunity to make ceramics, mat my own works, jewelry cast, and use materials I did not have access to at home. He always put my work on display and encouraged me to keep drawing, but I did not realize how important and influential he was until I started my business the summer of 2023. Another high school art teacher who taught senior level courses allowed me to use the art room when I was 14. He gave me a generous number of supplies to take home and keep, which I greatly appreciated and needed, but I never had the opportunity to have him as a teacher. My last teacher I had for many years. She was my grade school and high school art teacher. She has been a part of my life since I was 10 and I grew up with all three of her sons whom mean a lot to me. She taught my AP art class and also gifted me books and supplies. Her encouragement was more than appreciated I am thankful to have had her in my life, as she is a major influence.