Ever since I was younger, I knew my life would revolve around art as I was always painting, using natural materials to create, or asking my parents for tattoos. Doing what I could to spend each day creating, my deeper interest in photography did not blossom until my time at SFUAD, where I took an ‘Intro to Photography’ course that exposed me to the wonders of darkroom and analog imagery. As a female artist, people have and always will be watching and judging what you create, so I knew early on I had one goal, or motto, with my art as I evolved and found my artistic practice - stir up the unknown and wreak havoc where possible. I started working for a photographer towards the end of college and then signed up to volunteer at CENTER's Review Santa Fe Photo Festival. Without the handful of inspiring instructors at SFUAD, and other mentors/artists, I am not sure I would have attempted to pursue a career in the arts. The rest is history, as some would say.

Busy. Busy. Busy! My days start early-ish with hot tea and walks outside with Latem (my dog), so I can accomplish as much as reasonably possible each morning. A few hours of each day are spent working from home with CENTER, where I am the Programs Manager, so the todo list is endless, and my other contract and personal work of editing and building image composites, grabbing good and memorable foods, seeing the many sights and traveling exhibitions with friends around DFW, and making sure I can end my days reading to wind down my buzzing mind. My weekends are for home projects, outdoor adventures, and spending time with friends and family.

Meeting all of the talented artists, curators, gallerists, editors, and publishers I am able to work with firsthand. I simply couldn’t have asked a better view into the art and photo world! The visual storytellers I work with each year bring so many truths to light, and to be fully immersed amongst the vetted projects all year, especially during the annual event, is a feeling unlike anything else.

I never imagined myself working for a non-profit arts organization as I always saw and dreamed of myself working and creating art always, but it is something I have grown to be very passionate about. Like most artists and people, I have a few different income streams. I am lucky enough to have them all revolve around art and photography, so the work I do can occasionally collide with one another. Helping others discover their voice and share their work with the world has helped me take a step back to re-discover my own work and really think about who I want my audience to be and how I plan to communicate with them.

Too many are floating around my mind, but lately, I have resonated with the works of living artists Shelbie Dimond, Renée Jacobs, and A.J Hamilton. A deceased a rtist just because, Helmut Newton. 

I am eager to join the reFocus panel and share my perspective with a mostly new-to-me group of judges. It will allow me to respect the jury process further and connect with other creatives about what speaks to them and grabs their attention, as well as what doesn’t. Black and white imagery has a profound way of communicating with the world, so thank you for inviting me!

Lorna Simpson or KAWS - I have books on both, but its far from owning a piece!

Too many to list, but one has been on my mind lately for a variety of reasons - Shoot for the Moon by Tim Walker. 

Art is entirely individualized and all about someone’s perspective. No matter what you think, there IS someone out there who SEES what you have created. If one person doesn’t resonate with your work, ask the next, and the next, until you find someone who does. Staying in motion, keeping ideas rolling, and preparing yourself so that when the time arrives, you are ready, is vital, as it’s all about finding your flow.

Oh goodness, somewhat of a loaded question for me as I am always working on things. Personally, I am looking to return to school for women’s studies, art history, coding, and curatorial courses [seeking recommendations]. Although a large component of my work revolves around photography, I have been painting and experimenting with natural materials this last year, so many pieces are scattered around my space. 

Professionally, I am coming up on five years at CENTER in Jan 2023 and am eager to see what the new year brings for our awards and grants programs. Right now, Nov 2022, we are getting ready for our 21st annual photo festival and portfolio reviews, the Review Santa Fe Photo Symposium. Returning to in-person programming this year, I am thrilled to visit Santa Fe and submerge myself in the culture, art, food, and people. If you’re in town, I shall see you there!