I have been an artist for as long as I can remember. In high school, I used oil paints on canvas. Then, I began to experiment with oils on metal. During college, I was introduced to acrylic paint and fell in love with this quick drying medium. Now, I have been exploring fabrics and weavings for the first time since college.
While teaching an entrepreneur unit in school, I decided to put into practice what I was teaching and began my art and craft business. I started by selling my work at two local shows. As the years progressed, I managed to maintain my craft business while continuing to teach full-time. After 30 years of teaching, I retired in 2013 which allowed me to focus solely on creating art.
Most of my career as an artist has been painting acrylic on antiques and collectibles. To me, these paintings give new life to a recycled or treasured item. I try to match the subject matter with the object on which I'm painting. When painting people or animals, I focus on the detail of the eyes. I believe the eyes give character and convey magic.
After a sudden and unexpected loss of a large inventory of my painted work in 2019, I turned my focus to creating weavings. Most of these pieces are hung upon pieces of driftwood I have found while on a trail or walking along a creek bed. Each weaving is as unique as the driftwood I've paired it with.
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing the delight of each customer who brings my work into their homes or lovingly gifts my work to a friend or family member.