This body of work was inspired by personal photographs taken at ocean beaches. When I begin, I look for small areas of the photograph that I find intriguing--depending on the angle of the photograph, spontaneity of the ocean waves, etc. I then digitally alter the image by cropping it and/or changing the contrast. After printing the photograph, I sometimes fold it into smaller pieces or rip off ends to focus on the interesting part of the composition. This small image becomes the reference for my large-scaled drawings.
I begin with large, white paper that is at least four feet in width. I tear the paper on all four sides and use pushpins to secure it to the wall. Depending on the shape of the paper, I sometimes tear off more edges to create a different shape. Sometimes I use blue painters tape to secure down all the edges and create a border.
The drawing begins with a large gray area which I wipe in with powdered charcoal and a chamois. I use vine and compressed charcoal to create the darkest areas of the image, then use a small eraser to draw in a basic outline. I continue to manipulate the lights and darks of the image with the charcoal and a kneaded eraser.
Once the image is complete, I carefully remove the tape, pulling it in different directions to change up the edges of the paper. I will also continue to tear off larger parts of the paper to change up the shape and then use the charcoal and erasers to blend in the border created with the tape.
charcoal on torn paper, 4 ft x 5 ft, 2019
charcoal on torn paper, 7ft x 3ft, 2014
*Sold
charcoal on torn paper, 4ft x 6 ft, 2014
*Sold
floor installation: charcoal on torn paper, mounted to foam core, 3.5ft x 4.5ft, 2014
charcoal on torn paper, 32 inches by 56 inches, 2013
charcoal on torn paper, 54 inches by 72 inches, 2013
charcoal on torn paper, 22 inches by 66 inches, 2013
charcoal on torn paper, 36 inches by 48 inches, 2013
charcoal on torn paper, 24 inches by 72 inches, 2013
charcoal on torn paper, 26 inches by 60 inches, 2012
charcoal on torn paper, 4ft x 8ft, 2012
charcoal on torn paper, 24 inches by 48 inches, 2012
charcoal on torn paper, 18 inches by 24 inches, 2012
charcoal on torn paper, 12 inches x 16 inches, 2011
Everyone has memories. Memories convey a variety of emotions ranging from intense feelings of happiness to withering feelings of discontent. Either way, memories are ways for people to recall and reflect on past experiences. They influence the ways in which a person thinks, grows, and develops.
Living and studying in Italy for four months was a fantastic experience that granted me a multitude of memories. However, my memories are not confined to the places I visited; they are about the experience as a whole, including the friends I met at school, the learning environment, the people of the nation, the culture, and the atmosphere. From the tiniest moment, such as drinking Earle Grey tea every morning, to the most extravagant experience, like Carnevale in Venice, each of these memories retain specific sentimental values that have influenced my character.
My drawings are based on specific memories from Italy that have deep, personal significance to me. I have chosen to represent these memories by recreating them through still-life. Once the still-life is set up, I take photographs of the objects. Then, the photo is digitally manipulated until it becomes a physical representation of the moment in my mind. The details of each memory are enhanced through my use of color. I work in a limited palette consisting of dramatic black values done in vine and compressed charcoal and one other color of various values done in chalk pastel. The color of the paper is also considered in relation to the single color being utilized throughout the composition. Overall, the color becomes the central focus of the memory being portrayed, emphasizing the moment in time as it is highlighted in my mind.
*The original drawings this series are not for sale, however prints are available upon request.
chalk pastel, 12 inches x 14 inches, 2011
*Sold-commissioned piece
charcoal, 30 inches by 40 inches, 2007
*NFS
charcoal on blue paper, 30 inches by 40 inches, 2007
*NFS
charcoal and chalk pastel on turquoise paper, 11 inches by 14 inches, 2007
charcoal on red paper, 24 inches by 36 inches, 2006
*NFS
charcoal and chalk pastel, 18 inches x 18 inches, 2006
*NFS
charcoal and chalk pastel, 18 inches x 24 inches, 2006
*NFS
charcoal and chalk pastel, 16 inches x 20 inches, 2006
*NFS
charcoal on blue paper, 12 inches x 16 inches, 2006
*NFS
charcoal on green paper, 12 inches by 14 inches, 2006
*NFS
chalk pastel, colored pencil & acrylic paint, 7 inches by 9 inches, 2006
*NFS
chalk pastel and colored pencil, 7 inches by 9 inches, 2006
*NFS
charcoal on tan paper, 7 inches by 9 inches, 2006
*NFS
chalk pastel on black paper, 7 inches by 9 inches, 2006
*NFS
charcoal, 7 inches by 9 inches, 2006
*NFS
chalk pastel, 7 inches by 9 inches, 2006
*NFS
chalk pastel, 7 inches by 9 inches, 2006
*NFS
permanent marker, 7 inches by 9 inches, 2006
*NFS
charcoal, 7 inches by 9 inches, 2006
*NFS
fresco painting, 16 inches by 20 inches, 2006
*NFS
A collection of charcoal and pastel drawings throughout the years.
charcoal and chalk pastel, 54 inches x 35 inches, 2021
charcoal, 5ft x 6ft, 2017
*NFS
charcoal and chalk pastel, 24 inches x 28 inches, 2016
*NFS
charcoal on torn paper, 24 inches x 36 inches, 2016
*NFS
charcoal, 43 inches x 45 inches, 2016
charcoal, 24 inches x 44 inches, 2015
charcoal, 43 inches x 36 inches, 2012
charcoal and chalk pastel, 22 inches x 28 inches, 2009
*Sold
chalk pastel, 20 inches x 30 inches, 2009
charcoal on yellow paper, 24 inches x 36 inches, 2009
charcoal, 18 inches x 24 inches, 2005
chalk pastel, 18 inches x 24 inches
chalk pastel & acrylic gesso on paper, 18 inches x 24 inches
oil pastel, 18 inches x 24 inches, 2005
charcoal, 24 inches x 36 inches
graphite, 18 inches x 24 inches
A collection of personal paintings and commissioned paintings.
Watercolor and gel pen, 8 inches x 10 inches, 2022
Acrylic on canvas, 11 inches x 14 inches, 2020
*Sold-commissioned piece
Acrylic on canvas, 16 inches x 20 inches, 2020
Donated to Good Samaritan Hospital, West Islip, NY
Acrylic on paper, 6ft x 9ft, 2020
Donated to Syosset Hospital, Syosset, NY
Watercolor, 3 inches x 3 inches, 2020
Acrylic on canvas, 16 inches x 20 inches, 2015
*Sold-commissioned piece
Spray Paint on paper, 9 inches x 12 inches, 2013
Tempera on Canvas, 5ft x 6ft, 2018 Graduation Mural
*School Mural
Tempera on canvas, 5ft x 6ft, 2014 Graduation Mural
*School Mural
Tempera on canvas, 5ft x 6ft, 2012 Graduation Mural
*School Mural
Tempera on Canvas, 4ft x 6ft, 2010 Graduation Mural
*School Mural
Tempera on canvas, 5ft x 6ft, 2017 Graduation Mural
*School Mural
watercolor pencil, 5 inches x 5 inches, 2006
*Sold
watercolor pencil, 8 inches x 10 inches, 2006
watercolor pencil, 5 inches x 5 inches, 2006
watercolor pencil, 8 inches x 10 inches, 2006
watercolor pencil, 3 inches x 5 inches, 2006
watercolor pencil, 5 inches x 5 inches, 2006
Oil on Canvas, 11 inches x 14 inches, 2005
*NFS
Oil on canvas, 20 inches x 24 inches, 2005
*NFS
