"Pola Negri" Drawing

ARTIST STATEMENT
From forever, I have existed for the unfolding of beauty—finding it, creating it, embracing it, buying it, wearing it, living in it, dancing it, drawing it. My work is an expression of style, which for me is all about being true to yourself, not just following trends. It’s about uniqueness and personal authenticity.

Creativity is woven into everything I do. Whether I’m singing, dancing, drawing, designing costumes, or arranging my space, I’m always expressing myself. I got teased in high school (1960’s) because I wore a royal blue sweater with an emerald green skirt; I didn’t really get what all the fuss was about. I love vibrant colors, but I also often balance them with black, white, and bold geometric patterns, which bring balance to my work.

And I staunchly stand by what Dolly Parton said: “I never met a rhinestone I didn’t like.” My art sparkles—not just with rhinestones but with jewelry, beads, found objects, neon paint—anything shiny a magpie would pick up. I really just can’t help it.

My creations reflect the joy I find in life’s beauty and the confidence that comes from embracing individuality. Through color, pattern, and sparkle, I invite viewers to share in my celebration of style as a personal statement and creative adventure.

~ My paintings have been published in 6 books:
~ "Winter 2015 Art Auction" by Shan Peck
~ "Spring 2016 Art Auction" by Shan Peck
~ "Arts Sports Politics Science--Portraits of Famous People" by Shan Peck
~ "Africa" by Shan Peck
~ "Children's Illustrations" by Shan Peck
~ "196+1 Artwork" by Shan Peck.
I also served as Shan's editor on 3 of the books.
~ I was born and raised in the Midwest in the mid-1940’s, graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.A. in Theater (concentrations in musical theatre performance and costume design), then moved to Los Angeles in 1976 where I lived most of my adult life. At age 40, while working full-time at night and raising a son by myself, I returned to school and earned a Professional Certificate–Summa Cum Laude in Fashion Design; one of my designs won second place in the 1987 "Suit of the Future" national design contest. ~ In 2014, at age 68, I turned my creative focus from acting, singing and dancing to drawing & painting. I often create dimension in my art with fabric, apparel trim, feathers, jewelry, Swarovski rhinestones & beads, and paper collage.