Background and Beginnings
Can you share a little about your early experiences in the arts? What initially drew you to muralism and graphic design?
What was it like studying graphic design at Florida Atlantic University, and how has your education influenced your career?

 

I have been painting since I was around 6 years old. I have always enjoyed playing with color and composition and loved design in general. I was in AP art classes in High School + then when I got to college I decided to major in painting for a semester but changed to Architecture for two years. After I realized that Architecture was not going to be for me, I switched to graphic design. It wasn’t until I decided to get my Master’s degree in Graphic Design from FAU in 2006 that I started getting interested in muralism and public art. In fact my thesis in grad school was on the relationship of advertising and street art through similar branding techniques. 

Professional Journey
You’ve been managing the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project for over a decade. Could you tell us about the project’s inception and your vision for it?
As the Arts and Culture Coordinator for the City of Hollywood’s CRA, what does a typical day look like for you?
Can you describe one of your most challenging projects and how you navigated the challenges?

The city of Hollywood had passed an ordinance for public art in the CRA districts in 2012 and I wondered who was going to manage it. I reached out directly and sent a proposal. I was born in Hollywood and I have a special place in my heart for Downtown. At that time there were not really many contemporary art murals in Broward County so it was a hard sell to the property owners in the beginning. Once a few murals were completed though many more people wanted them for their buildings. My vision was to take overlooked buildings with good walls and using local, national and international talent curate contemporary art murals throughout the Downtown. We have 35 murals currently and are always adding more. One of my most challenging projects was actually when I managed the Canvas Mural Festival in Lake Worth in 2017. There were so many murals going on at the same time and so I really had to tighten up my organizational skills to keep all the artists happy and producing.

Artistic Philosophy and Process
How do you choose the themes for your murals and installations? What inspires your creativity?
Could you elaborate on your approach to creating public art that engages and resonates with the community?

My work is about femininity and feminism. My paintings and large-scale public installations call attention to feminine types and stereotypes interlaced with more challenging notions of feminist theory. The reflective materials I use color the text, silhouettes of dancers, vintage female stereotypes and advertising models which produces a double-effect. Holographic, metallic and iridescent pigments are just as seductive, easily transferable, and as fleeting as the unnamed women whose forms they fill and adorn. My approach to creating public art is thinking about something that as a feminist I would want to see in the world. However, it also depends on the context of the location and audience.

Notable Projects and Achievements
Tell us about the Creative Investment Program Grant you received in 2016 for “She Comes First”. What was the concept behind this type-based installation?
What has been your most rewarding project to date, and why?

I was awarded a Creative Investment Grant in 2016 for “She Comes First” from the Broward Cultural Division. The concept was taking a statement that I knew was a double-entendre and could be deemed controversial but by making it sparkly and beautiful you would get pulled in as you are reading the statement. It has definitely been my most rewarding art piece to date and has been shown in four different ways in four different locations in South Florida as each of the letters are separate. What I love about the piece is the response I get from women because I can’t believe I am saying this — but in this day and age it certainly doesn’t seem like women are being treated equally or have autonomy over their own bodies. Making a statement like She Comes First hopefully makes a person think about what the world would look like if it was a Matriarchy instead of a Patriarchy. 

Influence and Inspiration
Who are some of the artists, local or international, that have influenced your work?

The text-based artists Jenny Holzer and Barbara Kreuger have been a huge influence on my work. Additionally, vintage advertising, signage and billboards also influence me. It’s all about communicating a message either with text or image. 

What role do you think public art plays in shaping

community identity?

Future Aspirations
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you are particularly excited about?
How do you see your role evolving in the public art space in the coming years?

I am excited for my upcoming collabs with regards to my Public Art advising and curating. I will be collaborating with other cities besides Hollywood this year on their public art programs as well as working on some of my own Public Art and Mixed Media pieces. As the public art space evolves, I am looking forward to working with artists on more technologically advanced Public Art such as projection mapping and artist LED lighting projects.

Advice for Aspiring Artists
What advice would you give to young artists and muralists who are just starting their careers?
What are some challenges they might face, and how can they overcome them?

The advice I would give to young artists and muralists who are just starting their careers would be to never work for free… even for “exposure”. I am so happy to see more artists and muralists are educated now about the business but the younger inexperienced artists still seem to get taken advantage of by people who don’t value art. Overcoming this type of challenge takes getting work experience, researching the business and knowing how to accurately price their work.

Life Outside of Art
Aside from your professional life, what are some of your interests or hobbies?
You mentioned living with three delightful felines. Could you share a bit about how your home life influences your art?

Besides being in my studio creating work, the natural world fascinates me… I collect and raise orchids and the variety is insane. Even though I have seen tons of orchids now I am still in awe when they bloom — each flower is its own work of art. I also have a ton of plants in my studio. I think all the beautiful nature that surrounds me (including my cats) helps keep me grounded and happy — a good reminder that nature doesn’t pay attention to what’s trending on tik-tok.

Closing Questions
Chroma Art Film Festival Participation
What are you looking forward to most about being part of the review panel for the Chroma Art Film Festival?
How do you believe your expertise will impact the selection process for this year’s festival entries?

I am looking forward to seeing what the arts community will submit to the review panel for the Chroma Art Film Festival. The fact that this festival focuses on color theory and unconventional films and installations also makes me really excited to see what will be submitted. I believe that my experience in the arts, background as an artist and education in design and public art will impact the selection process in a very positive way.