From the beginning…

My journey as an artist began in a small Ohio town, born the second oldest of four children.  My wonderful parents raised four very different children and I was the artist of the bunch.  I spent my youth drawing as well as decorating anything I could get my hands on.  My father is an aficionado of the great outdoors so I spent much of my youth hiking the woods, fishing the streams, and watching wild life.  Inside the house, my mother spent her days sewing clothes for our dolls and us.  I would sit and watch her for hours on end.  One day, I just sat down and started sewing.  How was I to know that someday I would reflect on these activities while discussing my art?

A sequence of events…

I graduated high school with the intent of becoming a graphic artist, only to discover that computers and I don’t get along that well!  Fortunately for me, I chose a spectacular art school where I could explore other art venues that better fit my personality.  I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 3-D studies and art education.

I spent my last semester of college student teaching on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona.  I fell in love with the breath-taking southwestern landscape and the beautiful Diné culture.  I stayed for three years after graduation, taking a teaching job.  During that time I discovered a new way of looking at art.  There, art was a way of life.  The Diné earned a living selling rugs, pottery and jewelry to tourists (and myself!).  The symbols on their pottery and rugs had a special meaning to them and reflected their spiritual beliefs.  It was like a picture book waiting to be read by those who could understand.  I didn’t understand it all, so I stuck to drawing the sacred landscape that I enjoyed hiking.  Each rock formation had a name and its own personality.  I quickly picked out my favorites and they remain a focus in much of my artwork. 

In 2002, I married a fantastic man, Chris, and moved to Oklahoma.  I continued teaching, my art on the side, until he finished his doctoral degree at Oklahoma State University.  With degree in hand, Chris took a job at The Ohio State University and we moved back to Ohio. With his support, I was able to retire from teaching and now focus full time on my art work.

My art today…

Now, I find I have a few irons in the fire.  Depending on the day, I could be painting a canvas, painting a mural, quilting a wall hanging, or just sketching.  I like being able to work on several mediums.  I discover new and different things with each.  Momentarily, I am focusing on my oils, always preparing for art festivals and shows.  Take a look at my show schedule page to see where I'll be next!