I am an interior designer, artist, and debut novelist in the Chicagoland area. By day, I am an interior designer, specializing in high-end residential design for both new builds and renovations. By night, I’m a figurative painter and a fantasy novelist. Give me a pen and paper, and I’ll soon start scribbling ideas that could very well turn into something. I live with my husband and daughter in Chicago, along with our small zoo of pets, and none of this would be possible without their support.

Writing

My journey into fantasy writing began with a made-up runic alphabet I started developing.  It quickly morphed into a fully-developed world filled with spell-wielding Beasts and, yes, a hand-drawn fantasy map. Within this world, I found Wren.

While The Last Beast is my first full-length, published novel, I’ve always enjoyed writing, particularly short stories in the paranormal/horror genre.  And, as most writers can probably attest, I have journals upon journals of poetry and other random thoughts I generously call “musings.” Like my artwork, my writing incorporates nods to classical tropes and stories, and is heavily inspired by my interest in folklore and mythology. 

Art

I began my exploration into art at a very young age, but did not pursue it professionally until many years later, following a degree in art history. This research centered around materiality in Italian Renaissance and Baroque sculpture, which compounded an already present love for figurative art. I found myself focusing on the dynamics of the human body, the ways in which it interacts with the world, and how that interaction is translated into a visual medium. My work incorporates nods to classical tropes and stories, while being inspired by human connections and the relationships formed between people.

A common theme across my portfolio is intimacy, whether that be in the form of literal depictions (such as moments between family and friends) or abstracted concepts that deal with loss, grief and pain. Much of this intimacy is process-driving: the act of putting pen to paper is as much art as the finished piece. Frenzied marks or slow, deliberate strokes are dependent on that connection between artist, material, and construct.

Interior Design

With a BFA in Interior Design from a CIDA-accredited college, I began my career in high-end residential design before moving into the commercial sector. I worked on everything from senior living facilities to hospitality to veterinary clinics, before transitioning back into residential. I have a particular interest in historic home renovation, but I also enjoy custom design for new builds. With years of professional experience and an NCIDQ certification underway, I combine past project expertise with future endeavors, and bring my passion and drive for design to every project.