Q: First off, what’s it like as an artist in Lafayette?
A: Being an artist in Lafayette is pretty challenging. I’m finding myself constantly trying to keep my perspectives open in order to open up others’ perspectives. Even though there can be opposition (to my work) and controversy in my body of work, I feel genuinely respected for what I do the more I progress as an artist.
Q: So, what uniquely inspires you?
A: Oh man, I am SO very inspired by others — whether it would be by their expression, their stories or their fight for visibility and happiness. Humans are so special, all have different edges, strengths, traumas and sensitivities, yet through all of our differences, our fight is what connects us all. And I want to celebrate how we embody all past, present, and future tenses of who we were, are, and will be.
Q: What is your favorite medium to create on?
Acrylic on stretched canvas is my all-time go-to.
Q: Halfway there. If you had one thing you’d like others to know about yourself or your art, what would it be?
A: I think what I want others to know is that I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything except painting. Even though the future can absolutely terrify me, I have to remind myself that I’m exactly where I need to be right now and that I feel fulfilled.
Q: Can you tell us about what you’re working on right now?
A: I’m currently working on a 30×40-inch canvas of my friends who are a couple, hoping to capture the playful atmosphere they create.
Q: And where can Lafayette see your art?
I have a few places where you can view my art. I have three of my paintings up in the “FLUID” group exhibition located at the Mattea Studio (313 Jefferson St., Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.) that will be up (and for sale) until the end of November. I have a private studio room at Basin Arts (113 Clinton St.), where our studio will be open for anyone to see our spaces and us working during Open Studio weekend Nov. 23-24 (23rd from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and 24th from noon-5 p.m.). One of my paintings is also up at the Acadiana Center of the Arts (101 W. Vermilion St.) for the same event, and will remain up for the rest of November and December! So come stop by 🥰
Q: If you could travel back in time, who would you like to meet and why?
A: Artemisia Gentileschi. To get more perspective on women’s experiences in the (art) world during that time. I learned so much from a class that focused on Art Masters in history who were women, and I’d love to get to experience these people first hand, but Gentileschi being #1 on my list!