Welcome to my art world!

Major life changes have occurred recently…all good!

-First, I graduated from my 34+ year career in natural resource management to that of an artist. Having 50-60 or more hours in the week to create and explore is amazing!

-Second, Our home is now our little “ranch” in Central Oregon (our livestock are bluebirds, jackrabbits and too many mule deer). We are busily finishing up plans for a significant home and studio remodel.

-Third, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to exhibit my paintings in the home of Canadian artist Emily Carr, 1871-1945, whose work and adventurous life I have long admired (EmilyCarr.com).

-Fourth,I’ve been experimenting again (still) with different mediums. I’m collaborating with pine-needle basket maker Kim Black, from Pleasant Hill, on gourd vessels. Check out a sample in the Show Preview Gallery. We’ll have a full selection at the art festivals, either in my booth, or in Kim’s Beaver Meadow Baskets. We think they are cool and hope you do too! We are currently working with a few GIANT gourds about 50” in diameter.

I’m headed back to SW Colorado this fall to work more with master ceramic artist Clint Swink (www.swinkart.com) to learn more about traditional wood-fired, hand built ceramics. My clay projects are not ready for prime time, but I’m looking forward to more time to practice.

I’ve created art since I was a small child. While painting and drawing remains the core, I continue to explore many creative paths. My art training has been small group evening classes, and art workshop-filled vacation time. I graduated with a BS in Geography and started my Forest Service career as a cartographer and graphic designer. I’ve participated in several group and gallery exhibits, and am looking forward to showing at a number of events this year. My works are also represented at Expressions Gallery, Bandon, OR.

I am drawn to the colors, energy, and connectedness of all things, and try to capture this in my work. Different themes come out depending on what medium I use. My pastels are vibrant and realistic. My mixed media (acrylic, watercolor and pastel) tend to be whimsical and more and more, involve cats. My collage pieces are abstract, but often infer a landscape I have experienced. My “Rock Art” Panels, and Kim’s and my gourd vessels evoke a Native American spirit. The ceramics are replicas of SW Anasazi pottery, both in form and construction. While I continue to experiment, you will see the common threads in my art: a passion for bright color, a love for wide open spaces, a reverence for indigenous art and culture, and if you are so inclined, an expression of my spiritual side.

May you enjoy a creative journey!