The Story of My Art

“I found I could
say things with
color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way.”

― Georgia O’Keeffe

My mixed-media creations are inspired by the world around me and the way in which I experience it. My most significant catalysts for creating are the interactions I experience — with nature in various forms, with the man-made world, and with others. I work intuitively, often making discoveries as I go. I remind myself to be daring! When completed, each piece has a unique story to tell. As Georgia O’Keeffe alluded to, a picture can be worth a thousand words.

The sometimes harsh but stunning environment of the Sonoran Desert in the Phoenix, Arizona area where I currently live never ceases to amaze and inspire me. It is often the spark for a creative session, although truth be told, the natural world is incredibly inspiring wherever I go.

Using colors, shapes, and intriguing textures along with vintage ephemera (such as book pages and maps, old letters, ledgers and record books, postage stamps, and so much more) I strive to evoke thoughts, feelings, and memories. If you are drawn to my work, perhaps we share similar experiences.

I create wall art in various sizes, as well as tabletop pieces. I also bring my style of art to jewelry, cards, journals, and decorative boxes. Check out my gallery (coming soon) here!

Questions

I am often asked:

  • You name it, I’ve probably either used it or have it in my studio waiting for just the right project or inspiration.

  • Sometimes I see something in real life, either natural or man-made and it spurs an idea. Other times I have a material of some sort and I wonder what I can do with it. I start playing and anything can happen!

  • The desert can be harsh, yet stunningly beautiful. I walk daily in the cool mornings and find so much inspiration!

    The climate also affects my work. Winters are sunny and warm and I often work outside. I have a few tables that roll and most of my supplies are organized so that I can easily carry them outside. It is such a pleasure and privilege to be working with mountains, blue skies, cacti, and desert wildlife all around me. During the hot summers, I spend more time indoors, and I am happy to say, I am still productive.

    Because the air is so dry, the time it takes for materials to dry is much shorter. That can be a help, but can often be a challenge. I use extenders and a misting spray bottle to keep things from setting up and drying before I am ready!