Hello & Welcome
This site was created with the intention to pay it forward through art sales and commissions, and to highlight the organizations that have given so much to me and others. For more information on the inception of Creating With Valor, with original music, via a podcast, please click action button below.
About Me
- As far back as I can remember I have been attracted to art and music. I am fascinated with details, in particular the contrast between bold and subtle. I am moved by color as much as I am by melody.
- I experienced art therapy in 2014 which changed me in a positive way. It was like a defibrillator to my artistic heart that closed during my first deployment.
- In 2017, I attended a course sponsored by CreatiVets and VCU that helped me connect with other veterans and to approach art with a focused intention where I started to ask questions. Some of them include "What do I need to say; What is the epicenter where my emotion and the artistic work merge?"
- September 4, 2020, I graduated from This Able Veteran's 21 day Trauma Resiliency course. On the night I graduated, which was when I was officially paired with my service dog, Valor, I wondered, “What would it be like to Create With Valor?” This thought was like a coin, because it had two sides. “What would it be like to create with him physically by my side, but also with bravery and value?
- A year later an art residency opportunity opened up. It has allowed me to meet my goals listed below.
- My residency ended on July 1, 2023 with a final show that will be on exhibit until September 10, 2023. I wouldn't be where I am today as an artist. Together is a visual and auditory love letter to the individuals and non-profit organizations that have been there for me over the years. The inspiration for my show and title can be described in a pallet. A pallet is made of singular boards that become connected. The singular board is stronger on account of together.
- I've included some of the pieces in the portfolio section along with its description.
My Medium
Paint: Acrylic & Watercolor
Draw: Conté & Charcoal
Singer/Songwriter: Acoustic Guitar
My Goals
To Connect, Share, Create, and Grow through art. To 'Pay it Forward' through sales and commissions while highlighting the organizations that have given so much to me and others over the years.
SNAPSHOT OF WORKS
NON- Profit organizations
Semper Fi & America's Fund
The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation
This Able Veteran
Veterans Curation Program (Heroes Preserving History)
Diving With Heroes
Patriots For Disabled Divers
CreatiVets
Operation Encore
Deep Sea Valkyries
American Warrior Initiative (AWI)
M.E.G. (Make Everything Good)
Armed Services Arts Partnership
Pen Fed Foundation (Military Heroes Programs)
Workhouse Military in the Arts Initiative
FOCUS Marines Foundation
The 22 Project
Camp Southern Ground (Where GOODNESS Grows)
Frontline Arts
other organizations and Programs
Victor Super Premium Pet Food
VICTOR supports This Able Veteran in their work to provide military veterans with a service dog. One platform is through the sales of their Hero Canine formula.
Taylorville VFW Riders
This is who sponsored and named Valor. Without their commitment and monetary donation I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you Taylorville VFW Riders Post 4495 for your kindness and genourisity.
Veterans Curation Program
Keys to Progression
S.H.A.R.E. Military Initiative
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation is the organization that backs the non-profit American Warrior Initiative (AWI). A key part of the AWI initiative is the education platform for real estate agents and mortgage professionals. 100% of money raised and donated to AWI is given back to warriors and their families in the way of financial grants, service dogs, home upgrades, and more.