"Taking It In" Painting

Creativity and process are at the heart of my work.

Themes of love, growth and play repeatedly surface in abstract ways for me as an artist. I strive for a balance between chaos and calm; a certain flow of expression, emotion, and connectedness that I want in each piece.

I was born and raised in Michigan and completed high school in Indiana. I’ve always been drawn to nature whether it manifested in my interest in the forest and lakes of Northern Michigan or the big skies and weathered barns of Indiana. I studied painting and ceramics at Cleveland Institute of Art and immediately headed to New Mexico upon graduation. Even though the arid landscape of New Mexico was stunning, the lushness of the Northwest had a greater attraction for me. I’ve lived here for the last twenty-six years and love it.

Surprise and adventure play a huge role in my work. I don’t view my paintings as products, but rather as evidence of a creative process. I liken each piece to a whole journey or a trip rather than just a curated snapshot. While yes, I strive for beauty and a sense of unity; I also want viewers to see some of the awkward and raw parts. I think these aspects are not only interesting, but very important.

I think we all need art. We need to be spontaneous, take risks, and have a place to escape to. Our ability to make, to imagine, to interpret marks and swaths of color is an important part of being human, being alive. It can allow us to see more of the amazingness of our lives and our surroundings.