Carissa Jill Aikman

A self-described conceptual artist, Carissa Aikman uses bold brushstrokes and sharp color blocks to tell stories through her paintings. She first started painting at the age of nine and her love for the arts has not wavered since. Carissa earned a bachelor's degree in art history from Wright State University in 1993, and continued her education with classes at the Columbus College of Art and Design in 2003 and 2004. She is an Ohio native from the village of Oak Hill, although between the ages of 5 and 15 she lived in the city of Denver and considers these landscapes to be highly influential to her art.

When asked why she makes art, Carissa says, "It's in my nature. I have just always, always loved to create." Due to major physical limitations, Carissa utilizes a head-pointer to carefully apply each methodical brushstroke. This technique, in conjunction with providing Open Door staff with detailed instructions of color choice, stencil shapes and placement, brush size, and composition, Carissa is able to effectively bring her artistic visions to fruition. It is her dream to paint large scale works, much in the vein of one of her heroes Claude Monet. With her determination and strong work ethic, there's no doubt she will continue to push herself toward bigger and bolder projects.

Carissa is survived by her mother, Deborah (Michael) Reinert; father, Leslie Aikman; sister, Megan Aikman and Jessica Hoops; and brother, Cody Hoops.

A memorial gathering will take place on Sunday, July 3, 2016 from 1:00PM-4:00PM at the Open Door Art Studio, 1050 Goodale Blvd. Grandview, Ohio 43212.

If you wish to send flowers to the family please send them to Deborah Reinert's home.