During 2019, I was invited to participate in the exhibit "The Creator & The Muse," curated by PoetsArtists. The exhibit was originally scheduled for 2020 in Chicago, but the physical exhibit was cancelled due to the Pandemic. The concept of the show paired painters with other artists, writers, and patrons of the arts to create portraits. I was partnered with Grace Cavalieri, the Poet Laureate of Maryland.

The title of the portrait, "The Poet is a Funnel" is something I've heard Grace say about her process. I wanted to convey how the poet gathers images, impressions, and experiences from the world to create a work of art that is shared. I also wanted to capture Grace's warmth, generosity, and spirituality.

  • The Poet is a Funnel
    The Poet is a Funnel
    The Poet is a Funnel, Portrait of Grace Cavalieri, Poet Laureate of Maryland, Watercolor on paper, 22" x 30", 2020
  • Detail of The Poet is a Funnel
    Detail of "The Poet is a Funnel"
    Detail view
  • Process of The Poet is a Funnel
    Process of "The Poet is a Funnel"
    A shot of "The Poet is a Funnel" in progress. This piece is painted in watercolor. I used a combination of stick on frisket and masking fluid applied with a rough brush to preserve sections of the paper while blending together the multiple views of the subject.
  • Process 2 of The Poet is a Funnel
    Process 2 of "The Poet is a Funnel"
    An additional work in progress image of "The Poet is a Funnel," watercolor.
  • The Poet is a Funnel
  • Detail of The Poet is a Funnel
  • Process of The Poet is a Funnel
  • Process 2 of The Poet is a Funnel