The Multi-Medium Artist Inspiring a Wave of Tuscarawas Creativity
Tuscarawas County seems far from the artistic capitals of New York City, Los Angeles, or even Cleveland. But blooming in this small county is one woman who is helping bring color to both businesses and homes.
We were so excited to dive into her creative mind and see how community inspires her art.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a 32 year old lady born and raised in Tuscarawas County. I graduated from Strasburg-Franklin High in 2011.
I have been working at Greer Steel for nearly three years while making art on the side.
Do you find that your Tuscarawas County upbringing has influenced how or what you create?
It definitely limited my access to supplies when I was younger. A lot of my early portrait work was done with a mechanical pencil from school on my family’s computer paper. Pro-Print and Bolek’s were where I bought some of my first supplies when I got my first job. The art scene in the area has inspired me to keep going all these years.
What kind of art do you make?
I dabble in a lot of different categories of art, but recently I have been painting with acrylics, sculpting, block printing, and crocheting.
What is one medium that you haven't worked with that you want to try in the future?
I would like to try some real oil painting in the future, but I’m not in any rush!
“The art scene in the area has inspired me to keep going all these years. ”
How long have you been creating?
I’ve been creating my whole life! I’ve always been drawn to making things.
Can you describe your creative process in five words or less?
See happy, make happy
Are there any local artists you draw inspiration from?
Jess Haney has always been a huge inspiration. Chelsey Miller and Aubrey Gealsha, too. Just seeing creative women succeed reminds me that I can do anything if I just set my mind to it.
What has been a highlight of your professional arts career?
Connecting with people and bringing happiness through interacting with my art. Nothing is better than sharing the joy.
I once sold a painting to a family that perfectly matched their walls and I didn’t know the color beforehand. That moment of satisfaction we all had was priceless.
What is one piece of advice you have gotten in your career that has helped you?
You never know if you can do it unless you actually try. Failing just means you get to try again.
Where can people find you and your art?
You can find my Instagram, Etsy, TikTok, portfolio, email, and sign up for my newsletter if you follow this link!
