I studied painting at The School of Visual Arts, NY, and received my BFA in painting from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1985. I was selected to study at RISD’s European Honors Program in Rome, Italy. It was here that my love for the Italian Renaissance blossomed. I traveled extensively during this time, and was influenced by frescoes and murals in the countries I visited. These influences reveal themselves in my paintings and commissioned work. I studied Italian Renaissance painting first hand and my work incorporates Italian Masters’ influences while also borrowing imagery from diverse sources of Armenian art, Mexican art, Surrealism and religious iconography.

My visual vocabulary weaves together recognized symbols with common objects to explore issues of identity, empowerment and rebirth using additive and subtractive painting techniques that imply a collage format. My most current work gives voice to the history of the Armenian genocide while also celebrating my heritage and its rich traditions. My commissioned work takes into consideration the needs of my client partnered with my vision and knowledge of art history and design.

I was a recipient of a 1991 Pennsylvania Council On The Arts Fellowship and was chosen “Artist to Watch in 1992” by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Also in 1992, I received the Gloria Fitzgibbons Award from the Greater Pittsburgh Commission for Women. I have exhibited my paintings on the East Coast, in Rome, and Scotland. I’ve been painting murals for over two decades, and have painted in both residential and commercial settings. My murals can be seen on the East Coast, in London and Puerto Rico.