TORTOLA BOUND Fourth in series Photograph

This is the first time I have ever done anything like this. My art has led a shadowy life. It has never been professionally exhibited or offered for sale. I have spent my entire life surrounded by art. From growing up in Greenwich Village in New York City as the daughter of a prominent public art artist/architect, to being the sister of a well regarded artist and jewelry designer, I have been sadly silent to the world with my expression. (Unless you count my position as a makeup artist for a prestige cosmetic company. For 20 years I have been creating faces and hearing "you're just like an artist. That comment always makes me smile.) Except for my poetry, I never believed the visual art I created was "good enough" for anyone to see. Not that I have started to think of it as "good enough", but now, I feel strong enough to put it out there. If people "get it", that is good enough for me. Ever changing, I am an enigma to myself. There is a quote I came across some time ago that I love because it describes how I have lived my life: "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body. But rather to slide in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming WOW WHAT A RIDE!" - Unknown I currently live in Florida, am married, and have a grown child.
A little while ago I actually started to form a non-profit related to providing scholarships/grants to people with particular mental disorders who had the desire to learn how to create visual art. I created a website and began to apply for non-profit status. After a while I put the project on hold while other things were going on in my life. Recently, I have begun considering resurrecting the endeavor. When I do I will provide the website address.