I was born in Detroit, Michigan of Mixed race heritage to a Southern Father from Tennessee and a northern mother from Michigan. As a child, I used to write which lead to me attending the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM for one year. That is where I became interested in art. I began to create small simple wooden figurines, paint them and sell them. I also began to paint simple paintings of the Pueblo's in New Mexico and Arizona. For years though I painted very little until I discovered primitive folk art. I have lived in Michigan, New Mexico, Arizonia, Montana, Colorado, North Carolina, and Tennessee, but I'm drawn more towards the art and culture of my father's birthplace, Tennessee. The love of art though comes from my mother's side having an uncle, Dwight who is a very gifted artist, and having a brother, cousin and niece who too are artist, as well as my own daughter.
I lived in Johnson City, TN in for 4 yrs, graduating from East Tennessee University with a Bachelor's Degree in Religious Studies and a minor in Cultural Anthropology. Being unable to use my degree and going from one deadend job to the next, I started becoming more serious about my paintings. Tennessee, particularly, East Tennessee is where my heart and soul is and I hope it comes through my paintings.
I am a primitive, self-taught artist who paints with acrylics in the Southern Primitive style. I paint everyday life in the South, mainly landscapes but I am experimenting with other forms such as Biracial Art while still staying true to my primitive folk art viewpoint. I paint on canvas, wood, and tin
I also have an up and coming folk artist daughter, Lea-(pictured above) whom will be featured. Please enjoy!!!
