Fifty-one, forty-nine and a half is a term from law enforcement to describe people that are not officially 5150, but maybe a little off, eccentric or weird.
After years as a 911 dispatcher – a role that required constant focus, split-second decisions, and navigating life's most intense moments – I found my sanctuary in creating vibrant, abstract paintings. Art became my escape from the weight of emergency calls and the bridge to a world filled with color, freedom, and joy.
My work celebrates bold abstracts that burst with energy and movement, each piece a stark contrast to the structured, high-pressure environment I left behind. Influenced by my passion for designer toys and their playful, imaginative aesthetics, my original figures often incorporate the same sense of whimsy and unexpected color combinations that come from my paintings.
Every brushstroke is a release, every piece a chance to transform stress into something beautiful. My abstract work ranges from explosive color studies to more contemplative pieces, but they all share a common thread – the pursuit of pure, unfiltered expression.
When I'm not painting, my time is devoted to raising my autistic son, aka The Intern and caring for my senior rescue dog, aka Management – both of whom teach me daily lessons about patience, unconditional love, and finding joy in the smallest moments. Beyond creating art, I am committed to giving back to boxer dog rescues, using my art to help them fundraise. Since starting this journey in 2013, I have helped raise just over $100k for various boxer rescues across the country. This intersection of art, giving back to rescue and family life continues to fuel my creative journey.
Thank you for supporting my small business based in California and helping rescue boxers along the way.
You can find us on:
Substack to get all the artwork news, Management in the office and everything about our boxer fundraising efforts.
We are back on Facebook after a long break. Be sure to give us a like/follow. And our Instagram is @5149andahalf.art
Finally, after collecting for 20+ years now, I am sharing my personal toy collection in a second shop called Blue Boxer Collectibles. Each purchase directly supports my son's autism therapies – and you can find that shop here.