From Early on, I’ve had a need to express myself BY MAKING art.
I grew up in a suburb of Detroit from the mid 1950’s to mid 70’s. I have a vivid memory of walking with my parents through the halls of an art school, in Detroit, when I was quite young. It was noticeably quiet, the smell of terpentine was undeniable, and I experienced a strong sense of belonging. I absorbed the feeling of something much bigger happening beyond the halls and knew I wanted to be part of whatever was going on in this place. That something was the opportunity to be creative.
Feeling at home in the art room throughout my education felt like anything was possible. Everyone was welcome and if we could stop limiting ourselves, something interesting would come into form from our own ability to be receptive and generous in what we could offer, no matter what.
I studied art in college, and once I graduated I did my share of exploring the world and changing jobs to accommodate my needs for income until I decided what I really wanted was family, which I was able to make happen by the grace of our mysterious human existence and my husband’s desire for family, too. I put my own creativity on the back burner, every once in awhile, getting paints and clay out, to reclaim my need to express myself.
Once my children were on their own and a health scare woke me up I reckoned I must create. In fact, the message was loud and clear. It came in the form of a rain soaked piece of thin cardboard that caught my attention walking through a parking lot in Vancouver, Canada. I looked down, picked up the piece of cardboard, turned it over and the bold printed words “YOU MUST CREATE” affirmed what I knew and had known for a long time.
I have the good fortune of having home studios in Bellingham and Lummi Island, Washington where I give myself time and space to explore what wants to come forth. Leo Adams’ quote, “Just starting to paint tells you what wants to come forward.” and the thin cardboard announcement YOU MUST CREATE are taped to my wall for inspiration and confirmation that I am an artist and there is work to be done.
I am sustained by creativity, my family and friends, nature, yoga and continual sightings that show life wants to go on. Life fuels life.
I welcome your inquiry, if you are so inclined.