My inspiration for pursuing portraits in charcoal began when I was working as a hair stylist. I noticed a spark in people’s expressions when they discussed their passions. The passion was always different, but the spark was the same. To be a good hairstylist, one must learn the nuances of facial structure and listen and connect with people on a deeper level. Then translate that into a hair style that magnifies those qualities. That education and experience has lended me a unique insight when it comes to portraits. This coupled with the beauty that I have found in the uninhibited expression of human emotion, was where my passion for portraits in charcoal began. Charcoal is the best medium, for me, to achieve the photo realistic finished product I desire.

Why do a person’s portrait in charcoal, when you can just have a black and white photograph?

I find there is a magic that is captured in my portraits. Using a medium that is entirely altered by fire and creating a photo realistic portrait from it, is a truly beautiful thing to me. I have seen it spark wonderful emotion in the subjects of my portraits, and that is why I do it.