I was nine years old when I knew for sure I was an artist. I was sitting at the kitchen table drawing a picture of a little girl. At the time I was so impressed with myself and my little drawing I hopped up and ran around the house yelling ''I am an Artist! I am an Artist!''
I remember the first time I saw the art of the ''Masters'' on an art history tour in Europe. Tears surfaced as I stood in front of their paintings. I had an overwhelming feeling of belonging. I had found my peers. I saw the heights to which my passion could be taken and I had a vision of who I wanted to become.
In 1997 after 5 different jobs in one year, and trying to figure out what I was going to do, I finally sat down at my tiny drafting table and started to create these paintings, which are still dear to me. It was important for me to not be in a classroom comparing my work to other artists, or trying to please my professor. I wasn't concerned about how realistic I was drawing. I was simply creating for me. As I evolve and change, my work is a direct reflection of that. Whatever I am passionate about at the time will show up in my work.
I feel that I am just now beginning to create the work that I have been working toward all these years. I am grateful for every bad painting I have painted to get here. Julia Cameron said ''Remember by being willing to be a bad artist, you have a chance over time to be an artist, and perhaps, over time, a very good one.''
I do not feel that I am at any destination, simply on a journey. It is exciting to watch my work evolve. Every group of new paintings I love more than the last. Art is not what I do, but who I am. My paintings reflect my experience of and passion for life. My work has more meaning
to me now than ever before. I am going to a new depth as I leave the young girl behind and gain the wisdom of becoming a woman.
2008 ''Untitled'' Utah Arts Council, Rio Gallery, Salt Lake City, Ut
2008 300 Plates, Art Access Gallery, Salt Lake City, Ut
2008 Spring Salon, Springville Museum of Art, Springville, Ut
2008 Solo Show, Coda Gallery, Park City, Ut
2006 Evergreen Gallery Two Person Show, Salt Lake City, Ut
2005 AIGA Art Auction, Scottsdale, Az
2004 A Gallery, Featured Artist Group Holiday Show
2003 A Gallery, Group Holiday Show Salt Lake City, Ut
2000 Group Show, Trolley Cottage Gallery Salt Lake City, Ut
Art Access Gallery ''Partners'' Mentor Program
March 2008 15 Bytes Salt Lake City's Melissa Peck
Merit Award, Springville Museum's Annual Spring Salon Show 2008
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