Don't Worry, I'll Protect You

andace (or CJ) is a painter, illustrator, writer and designer working in Los Angeles. Her paintings are narrative, often revealing sweet, wonderous and sometimes somber stories of humans and their relationships with animals and the natural environment. To illustrate these stories, she uses acrylics, collage, mixed media, and digital methods, blending surreal and whimsical imagery in a highly delicious and alluring way. Most recently she is obsessed with creating portraits of woman flanked by animals and insects as can be seen in her new book "The Secret Live's of Dolls" (Blurb, 2008). Her work transcends basic illustration through their narration coupled by compelling intent. Currently there is an increased appreciation for this genre and CJ is becoming a "notarized participant in the scene, with a careful and well thought-out approach to her work and an unparalleled dedication to her craft." (Leora Lutz, curator - Gallery Revisited) The daughter of an artist/educator and an aerospace engineer, and the granddaughter to artists/designers, CJ began creating art out of an uncontrollable need to communicate years and generations worth of visual energy. Her exhibition history began 8 years ago, with her artist sister (Miss Mindy) when they combined forces to bring their "pop-surrealism" or "urban folk