I have remained true to my
creative self most of my adult life by refusing to follow
the norm, instead following the beat of my own drum. I
started painting again in 1997 after a good friend encouraged
me to take courses in Graphic Arts. The curriculum included
classes in both 2-D design and painting. It didn't take
me long to remember that I loved to paint.
The
last five years have been a wild ride as I have been
evolving and growing with my work. I re-discovered
the
passion for art that I loved so much when I was young.
Once again, my parents encouraged me to show my work, and
I gained confidence after being awarded a Blue Ribbon for “Frenzied
Feline” in a community art show in 2001.
" The
Progression of Lollipop" In
2001, I established Lollipop Art Productions. I am now
successfully showing my work in New England, and have sold
my work nationally. As an artist, I am mostly self-taught
except for some pointers from dad and a few art classes
in the 90s. I believe this keeps my style free of rules
and expectations.
My
work has evolved over the years into a unique painting
style with chunky brush strokes, and a buildup of paint
as well as a wet-in-wet painting style that allows the
canvas to almost become a work of sculpture. My distinct
palette of bright colored works; all diverse in content
makes my work a conversation piece.
At
the end of 2002, I had the opportunity to intern with
body-casting Artist, Lea Cutter and assisted
in the further
development of the "I Am Project," including
co-creating a business plan for the “I Am Collaborative.”
My art business, Lollipop Art Productions has also grown
during this period. I am currently managing art space for
three area businesses.
In
2003, I began working with Casco Bay Frames in Portland,
Maine as their "Gallery Administrator." I
promoted all original art exhibits for the shop's gallery
and orchestrated
all the First Friday Artwalk Openings. This was an excellent
opportunity for me to work with Maine Artists in a gallery
setting. This allowed me to network with several artists
and offer them additional venues via Lollipop Art Management.
My
work in 2005 emerged with new energy and excitement,
reflecting changes in my personal and
professional life.
My latest work is a nostalgic series: Vintage Cars. Come
see Mary Lou, a 58 Nash Metropolitan, Gloria, a 69 Buick,
Peggy Sue, a 57 Chevy, Mabelline, a 59 Chevy and Norma
Jean, a Pink Cadillac from 1959. Most of these vintage
gems are framed in barnboard wood, which I found ironic
since most of these cars can be found sitting beside an
old barn or in someone’s back yard! I have a passion
for art that is represented in all my work. I surround
myself with creative people who are a constant muse of
creativity, especially my boyfriend Rich who introduced
me to old cars and made me fall in love.
2006
brought great publicity to Lollipop & the new vintage
car series as we were featured in The Portland Phoenix
series Art Mingling. Art Mingling was hosted by Portland's
Slainte Bar and the work continues
to be exhibited through APRIL. The Vintage Car series
was also featured in an article in the Munjoy Hill Observer.
2006 brings new life to Lollipop as I am adding Wet
Paint! Studios to the mix. Wet Paint! Studios will focus
on the new artwork, while Lollipop will remain focused
on Art Space Management. Wet Paint! Studios and Lollipop
Art Productions will have a new website, a new logo,
and some pizazz to spice it up.
2007-Wow,
what a year. The commissions from 2006 kept coming,
and I was busy through April when I flew out of wintery
Maine for my wedding on Catalina Island in California.
Although the wedding was a bit of a diversion from painting,
I came back completely inspired and energized for the
rest of my year. 2007 introduced Cat Cards which were
a huge hit, for a matter of fact, I keep running out
of them as they are the single most popular item I sell.
Car portraits and Pet portraits kept me busy for the
second half of 2007 along with Lollipop Art Management
& a whole lot of shows. Partnering with selling
cards the Weatherbird, Three Ring Circus, and Casco
Bay Frames has also been a positive experience. 2007
was also the year of getting started on Ebay, featuring
a weekly Cat Painting with proceeds going to help a
cat related charity. The year finished with a string
of commisions, holiday shows, and a promising 2008.
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