For as long as I can remember, I have made things. With canvases as diverse as my environment, the random and uncommon hold worlds of possibility. Discarded bits of fabric became clothes for Barbie. Old jeans got cut up to became skirts and purses. I once turned a pile of fake fur and yarn into mouse finger puppets and sold them to raise money for orphans.
I taught myself to draw by copying Charles Schulz, whose characters always made me happy (and still do). I painted stories of sound and melody with piano keys and violin strings. I shaped whole worlds with words on pages, and brought to life metaphors with rhythms and rhymes of poetry.
It’s a wonder I didn’t end up at art school.
But I eventually got there. At least partially. The pull of art was strong enough to pull me from a midway point in a business/econ/political science degree at a liberal arts college and toward my destiny as a professional creator. I managed to change my major and still squeak out a bachelors of fine art degree, landing me a job in commercial art as a graphic designer in the corporate world. This paid the bills, and although not as creatively stimulating as I would have liked, the job kept my senses tuned to the visual arts.
Alongside my corporate art, I continued to find beauty in the fragments others left behind, drawn to the overlooked. I made purses from upholstery fabric samples and funky children’s clothing and coats from old quilts and table cloths. I found vintage painted canvases and cut them up and made them into one-of-a-kind, original art tote bags.
This fine art/textiles fusion was the inspiration behind introducing a sewing program to an already existing art program at a nearby women's shelter. Along with some other visionary contributors, we developed a creative sewing space where women learn the skill of sewing, and with this new skill, create beautiful things. As one of the first sewing instructors, I am proud to say the program is still thriving and many women continue to learn skills to generate income from services and products they create.
Seeing how the act of creating brings dignity and joy to lives of people with very little to smile about, deepened my desire to share it with others. A series of opportunities led me to develop and implement a creative art program supporting adults with developmental disabilities. The program encourages participants to take an active role in the creative process. Through directed creativity, they make beautiful things and proudly show and sell them in the adjoining gallery and community shop. There’s a unique dignity that grows when someone realizes the worth of something they have made.
I have seen first hand how art can reach and inspire everyone. No matter the income status, physical ability, or skill level, art is a meeting place, a level ground. Everyone has something to offer, something to share if they so choose. Something completely unique and special. Something the world would otherwise have to live without if not expressed. This something is perspective.
After many fulfilling years of sharing my artistic perspective to help others discover theirs, I have arrived at a point in my journey where I’m called to explore my own more deeply. My current art is an exploration of paint on canvas, a practice of skill and technique, an expression from my heart, and a search for my unique voice.
Join me in my progression of growth and be inspired by my transformation.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!