CHILDHOOD
I grew up in the Midwest in a 1st ring suburb. In the 1960s there were no other rings, so it was a place where small feet could find dirt paths in the wild green. I was a lone wolf who longed for the arms of Mother Nature and when she held me, I found solitude. She fed my soul and introduced me to the trees. Always curious, I thrived in nature’s rich tapestry of color and life. I needed to know the “why” of how it all works. I developed a keen interest in human behavior and learned that there are sacred stories among the facts, and in those stories, about what people have done, lies hope for the future, if we listen.
THE ART
My work is a culmination of all the making and doing, the observing and learning I have done along the way. The subject matter is grounded in the earth, traces the footprints of humans, and reflects the natural places I have been. I hand make many of the components, and use natural dyes and processes whenever possible. You will discover complex layers that have a story to tell, a reason to look deeper. I may work with a multitude of fibers, textures in paper, and use altered or upcycled fabric. You may also find paint pushed past its boundaries, clay, reclaimed metal, or a trail of rusty bits. The result is a tactile and visual feast of harmony.
All those bits and pieces, both tangible and experiential, continue to propel me into the welcoming unknown. For now, I am here and I have a chance to share my art with you, to tell you a story or the “why”. Perhaps that will give rise to the comfort found in nature’s voice, bring you an understanding of some small mystery in science or an environmental awareness. Maybe it will prompt empathy, action, or a realization that helps you to heal. I hope that it will.
MY ADVICE
As a proponent of lifelong learning, I offer you this bit of advice about the “art” of happiness, “Life is not a linear line of milestones, but instead a series of circular phases; first there is inspiration, an idea, followed by the input of information and collaboration, then a watchful eye for opportunity, and finally, the confidence to act. So, live, learn, and bring your desires to fruition. Enjoy them, revel in them, but recognize when it’s time to move on, not towards the end, but to your next link in the chain of life.”
