Working class Print

Works at Paul Newman's The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp as a Hospital Outreach Specialist in Philadelphia, PA. Provides seriously and terminally ill children with a chance of "a different kind of healing." Paints with children both at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and St.Christopher's Hospital for Children. Also Teaching Artist at The Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial for the Saturday Youth Program in Philadelphia, PA. Born on September 16, 1984 in Philadelphia, PA. The artists whom I admire most, Willem de Kooning, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Philip Guston, Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler, all have played a significant role in my development as an artist. These artists worked fearlessly. Painting was their redemption against hardship. Painting was as a reminder that, despite all of the ugliness, there was still something beautiful left in this world. Painting has given them a sense of joy. As important as my influences are, I know I must be true to myself in my work. Once I allow this happen, the work just flows. Philip Guston once said, "When you're in the studio painting, there are a lot of people in there with you - your teachers, friends, painters from history, critics... and one by one if you're really painting, they walk out. And if you're really painting YOU walk out." So, now, I am really painting, and everyone is in there with me. It is wonderful feeling and it is something that I never want to let go. Painting is my happiness.