Making art is a way of building an intimate relationship with your materials, an ongoing conversation between you, the colors and textures and forms, and that mysterious presence that some call inspiration or the muse. You never know what kind of magic will emerge.
About Me
I’ve loved color ever since I was in a pink striped romper, playing outside with a box of crayons in my hand. As I grew, art became a part of my life because of my mother’s desire to share her love of museums. I didn’t see myself as an artist initially, more as a craftsperson because I was drawn to weaving. In college, however, the painting bug took hold and I began to call myself an artist. Later in life, I became an art therapist working in hospital and hospice settings and that work colors the teaching I do -- my goal is always to create a safe space where students can learn and feel successful.
My mediums shifted as I grew and for the last 10 years I’ve been working with the gel plate process focusing on botanical monoprint collage. In the past year, these collages have become more abstract and I’m utilizing antique, vintage and brown papers as my primary materials along with acrylic paint.
Examples of My Work
Fun Facts
- • Beach Woman: I spent my early years on the coast of Maine and my great dream was to return to the water. In 2019 we moved up to Whidbey Island, WA where I’m just a short walk away from Useless Bay.
- • Introverted Extravert: I’m outgoing and I love people, friends and groups in small doses, but I need alone time to recharge. Perfect for the artist life.
- • Autumn lover: My favorite season is fall when the leaves turn every shade from chartreuse through gold, orange and scarlet. I grew up in the east where autumn is a full body experience and I look forward to it every year.
- • Gardener: I’m in the process of transforming my yard into a bird, bee and color haven. My favorite plant colors? The deep burgundy of dragon’s tongue and smoke bush. Food for the palette.
- • Yogi: I love yoga and have been practicing since I was 20. It’s one of the best ways I know to keep flexible in mind and body and be strong enough to carry my grandchildren around.
More About Me
What do you wish you could tell your younger artist self?
I would tell her to be true to her own voice, to let go of doubts as they arise and to stay the course.
What other non-artist jobs have you had?
During college, I helped to support myself as a short order cook and salad chef. After college, I worked restoring oriental rugs in a large design house in San Francisco. Formative experiences all.
Which artist (famous or not) has influenced you the most and how?
Paul Klee has a mastery of line, color, form and whimsy that have inspired me since I was a teenager. His work never ages for me and I continue to find new facets in his paintings.