The Artist's Life for Me
It began with crayons. My lifelong adventure as an artist started with crayons, coloring books, chalk in the backyard, a spirograph, and page after page of drawings on notebook paper. Later, in 1983, while studying art and art history in college, I was introduced to acrylic paint by a teacher who advocated learning to paint by painting.
For over 25 years I practiced independently, being mentored about being an artist by living examples. During this time I also worked as an art framer, gallery assistant, and set painter, as well as stay at home mom and massage therapist.
In 2009 I was overcome with curiosity for all the new and diverse acrylic products and processes. I read books on the topic and seized an opportunity to take classes with the artist/authors and others. A whole new realm of possibilities were revealed and as a result my artwork has become more experimental, exploring textures, methods of application, and a variety of new and modern colors.
My style is simplistic and approachable, often employing symbols such as hearts, suns, diamonds, crosses, and grails. As an art history student I was intrigued by the elaborate interpretations of possible symbols contained in the details of various artworks. This and my grandmother’s relentless query, “But what is it?” during my first attempts at abstraction influenced me to include basic familiar shapes and symbols.
Symbolism continues to infuse my work even when it is not so obvious. My artwork signifies the beliefs, relationships, ideas, and topography of my life. The images I create with colors and symbols represent my journey of faith, my relationships, the people, sights, and feelings observed along the way. Sometimes my artwork quite literally depicts the road. Sometimes the images are from the interior of my soul and sometimes as far out as I can see or imagine.
There was a time when I only wanted to create happy art and deny all else with the intent of being a positive influence. However, the twists and turns of life include experiences of failure, loss, anger, and sorrow and mine began to demand recognition. So for the sake of truth and well being, I bear witness to those feelings as well. This provides acknowledgement and healing for me, and is offered as a beacon of hope for those who may find themselves down a dark road.
The aim of my work is to inspire, encourage, intrigue, and delight, to recognize truth, celebrate joy, demonstrate beauty, and affirm hope. I am an advocate of creative personal expression. I practice it myself and actively encourage and support the creativity of others. I am dedicated to art as a way of life. Hooray!
