I came into the world an artist. I believe living as an artist, I just see the world differently. I see beauty; I notice things where others may not. I like that I can see a color in nature or elsewhere and mix it in my mind. I like that I am not afraid to learn new techniques, that I am excited to experiment. I believe I collect data unconsciously and squirrel it away in my brain, or I consciously make notes or do sketches of ideas, color combinations, mixed media projects, patterns. I cannot control what comes through me. Sometimes I wish I could. My life would be easier. What I have come to understand is that I am a channel. My true work is first to be the channel, the conduit open and clear, to create a space where art can happen, then to sit at my table or stand at my easel and be patient. Being impatient as I often am does not further the process along. Sometimes the ideas come so fast and seem so bizarre I can only hope I catch up with them.

Whatever medium I am working in at the moment is my favorite, but, I think drawing with a simple 2B pencil and painting in oils would be the ones I love the most. They seem to me the purist and most honest. Over the years, my work also has included papier mâché sculptures; mosaic-tiled, painted, and embellished furniture; two coloring books for women; and a series of children’s books about my Great Dane Savannah Blue. (Look for the third picture book in this series to be released in Fall, 2007!)

I am currently at work on a series of Journey Books made from recycled blank journals in which I create painted and collaged images to inspire beholders as they travel their life journeys. The books are filled with images of landscapes, animals, and heavenly bodies because it is from these places that I receive inspiration, healing, solace, and joy. I also search for inspiring, thought-provoking quotes from wordsmiths to accompany my images. In creating each of these books, I am creating a celebration of Life, which I hope can be seen in my choice of materials as well as in my choice of images and words. I still dream of learning the art of welding, so I may unleash even more of the creatures crowding my imagination.

Please wander through my website. Lovely new things are on the horizon!

EXHIBITS

• Art & Soul Studios, Mebane, NC
• "Second Time Around", Carrboro Branch Library
• 8th Annual Faces Juried Online International Art Exhibition, Upstream People Gallery 2006
• 8th Annual All Media Juried Online International Art Exhibition, Upstream People Gallery, 2006
• Art & the Feminine Divine, Raleigh & Durham NC 2006
• Women's Center, Chapel Hill, NC 2005, 2006
• Saints and Goddesses, Community Church of Chapel Hill, Unitarian Universalist, 2005
• Horace Williams House, Chapel Hill, NC 2004