ATHEN

As a child I loved to draw, and in 7th grade was shown basic drawing techniques that eventually led to countless hours of creating hyper-realistic images in charcoal & graphite, which I signed with my middle name, Athen. My mom gave me my first camera in 2nd grade, and by my mid-teens I had developed a strong interest in black and white portraiture & photo-journalistic images. Herb Ritts was, & remains, a strong influence in my work. In my 20’s, my work managing studios for professional photographers broadened my skills and honed my eye for composition and detail. In high school I discovered my talent for writing [Thank you, Cathy Blackburn - wherever you are!!], and I have continued to develop that skill in various ways, including copy writing for our estate sale business, Pennsylvania Trading Co. While never singing in a professional pursuit, I have a strong ear for harmonies - to which I credit hours of listening to Motown classics and Simon & Garfunkel. I have had several opportunities to enjoy singing with bandmates and choirs on and off throughout my life. Although I have not had much true art training, I felt a strong urge to dive into painting as I neared age 40. After having made a couple of half-hearted attempts to begin, Covid entered the scene. It was during our isolation that I finally dove in fully, and taught myself to paint. What has emerged has been a surprising mixture of abstract works in large quantities.