Biography & Gallery page header

With thread as my paint, my mini-tapestries are collages of scenes I've experienced
at home and abroad. As was the case for many girls and young women of the time,
my first exposure to the medium was a traditional crewel sampler. My first tapestries
were more rigid and geometric, but as I explored the organic forms of nature, my
work evolved into more painterly expressions. Over the years, I've pushed the
boundaries of accepted crewel work and developed a unique narrative style.

Sculptures are always a struggle toward completion for me
since it requires thinking on a three dimensional plane rather
than the two dimensional plane that I so often work. I also have
discovered that there is a parallel between what I do in sculpture
and my two dimensional work. The satisfaction I felt upon completion
of a sculpture keeps me returning to face the inherent challenges of working
with limestone, paper, and/or found objects.

I often create doodles while visiting family and friends. As the need arises, I will
transform a doodle into a more finished drawing. I begin by loosely sketching ideas on paper. It may be that I need an idea for a painting, greeting card or mini-tapestry as was the case with the Nubian Princess. I usually use black pen or pencil; while color is the exception in my drawings when I do add color I enjoy the adventure it brings to the drawing experience.

In my artwork, I let intuition and risk-taking lead me toward completion. It becomes a visual record of my life in that moment. This fact, however, is often only obvious to me in retrospect. Since retiring from being a full-time art educator in 2008, it has been a delight to be a full time visual artist.

What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from. T.S. Elliot