Artists Statement
My paintings are a constant exploration of myself. I started my art career as a fashion illustrator. A profession that has been replaced by photography. As a fashion illustrator you are trained to focus on line and gesture to give the viewer an illusion. As I grew in my career and the digital age expanded into the fashion world I climbed the corporate ladder to art/fashion director for major fashion companies. After 20 years of producing art for the masses for fashion and advertising I decided it was time for me to make art that expresses who I am.
For me to find my voice as an artist has been a journey.
For the past few years, I have been experimenting with different media to discover that voice. Always working in the abstract, I discovered the ancient method of encaustic painting and it is my exclusive medium of choice. The melting of the bee wax, the adding of pigment, the aroma that scents the studio while I work, the heating, re-heating of the media, the capacity to etch, scrape, collage and build up layers are only part of the appeal of this media. While encaustic media has a basic set of rules, it is during the painting process that I find myself breaking the rules and creating a piece that I may not be able to reproduce.
Much of my work has a similar pattern and rhythm to them, and then one piece will break away from that. Similar to the way my life has unfolded. An opportunity has arisen leading me on a different path.
Since I am a person who sees change as an opportunity and an exploration of growth, I found a media that can change instantly and allow me to explore a new vision in my art.
About Me
Growing up in New York City, AJ was always visiting all the art exhibits and all the museums that NYC has to offer. She has spent 15 years living in Asia and traveling the world. Now she resides with her husband, 2 dogs in South Florida. AJ is active in her community and assists by raising funds and grant writing for local non-profits.
Group Shows-
October 2008 - Abstractions-Art Expressions Gallery, Wilton Manors, FL
September 2008 - In the Mix-Leche-Vitrines Art Alliance, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
January 2008 - Black and White Show- Comfort Zone, Hollywood, FL
January 2007-14th Annual Courtyard Art Exhibition-
Women in the Visual Arts- Palm Beach County
Awards-
2008 -"3rd Place" Encaustic Collage -"In the Mix" Broward Art Guild,Ft. Lauderdale, FL
2008 - "Juror's Recognition"Painting -"Abstractions" Broward Art Guild,Ft.Lauderdale, FL
