Light My Life

Ali Cavanaugh was born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 5, 1973. Learning to sew at the age of 7 opened up a world of creativity for her. By the age of 14 she was painting commissioned portraits. In 1993, she attended Parsons School of Design in New York City and in 1995 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Kendall College of Art and Design. In 1996, Cavanaugh co-founded the New School academy of fine arts in Grand Rapids Michigan. Through the mid to late 90s she established an enormous following of students and collectors, becoming one of West Michigan’s most sought after private instructors. Cavanaugh is best known for her "little girl" paintings. Fields of alluring color, rich in texture, accentuate quietly provocative adolescent girls. Thought provoking hand cut text, which is a trademark of Cavanaugh’s work, reveal engaging messages. Her poetic words bring to light the complexity within contemplation. Thoughts of envy, loss, and doubt unfold and suddenly the viewer discovers something highly spirited and playful. This vibrant contrast and push and pull of emotions are what make this work so desirable. Cavanaugh’s work has an infectious energy and her collectors are devout. Her work has won numerous awards, received countless recognitions, and is featured in over 200 private collections. She currently lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with her husband and two children, and is very active in its world-renowned art scene.

[site]

My mind wanders back to a time when thoughts were green is this my wonderland?

Oil on wood panel • 30" x 36"

Infinite sky full of light …i surrender

Oil on wood panel • 36" x 36"

Here, take one… there are two, one for me and one for you

Oil on wood panel • 24" x 24"

Dreams of you, moment of quiet

Oil on wood panel • 12" x 12"

Your essence surrounds me and i breathe you in (behind this curtain)

Oil on wood panel • 24" x 24"

When you find me …i will be different than you remembered

Oil on wood panel • 24" x 24"