"Minty Fresh" Artwork

Much of my artworks are hyper-realistic food sculptures and paintings with an exciting 3 dimensional aspect with collage, adding depth and interest. I specialize in Food-based artwork, since I am also an avid Foodie, with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition. I often use a pastry bag to apply garnishes and extruded, defined paint applications. I have invented my own special techniques for making my painted and collaged baked goods look so real that the viewer is tempted to reach into my artwork piece for some delicacy. I craft 3 dimensional desserts from hand carved foam core board, create berries with layers of painted foam core board and glue, make chocolate curls from painted paper, crushed painted glass for cake crumbs and chopped nuts, cherries from notched styrofoam balls with string. I especially enjoy creating realistic looking glass dessert cases complete with air vents, chrome and mirrors showcasing an entire array of gorgeous, real-looking, and enticing baked goods.

I find inspiration everywhere: from gorgeous arrays of food, colorful wild gardens, shadows and sunlight, and interesting people. I start with an idea and lets the piece evolve organically from inspiration to full-blown creation, with layer upon layer of textures, designs, and fantasy. I have learned to let the piece tell me where it needs to go; I pay strict attention to every detail and nuance as I am making artwork and adapt aspects of my art making, as the piece comes to life. My paintings are improvisations on realistic images fused onto fanciful and imaginative themes. I use additive and reductive processes in creating my work, removing or embellishing images, and often carving into them, to make the hidden story underneath each artwork more visible and interesting. I create fully integrated, harmonious artwork that is exciting, bursting with energy and life.