Making art is my compass, guiding me through the challenges of living in an aging body, in a chaotic world threatened by climate change, injustice and despotic rulers. My work is often a visual expression of a sensory experience- the smell of smoke, the heart-pounding fascination of watching a fire on the next ridge, the weight of hopelessness.
In my twenties the creative force that had been squashed at an early age by a shaming teacher was re-ignited, taking me initially into the world of fabric arts and basket-making. Being part of the MendoDada group helped me see that art could be fun, irreverent and political.
In the early part of this century I turned from mixed media to painting, first working in acrylic and then, when I discovered the luminosity and versatility of encaustic, working in that medium. At a certain point I noticed that I just wanted to paint on the surface of my encaustic pieces and returned to painting on canvas, using water soluble oil paints. More recently, I’ve found a happy medium between encaustic and oil painting by incorporating cold wax into my work.
My relationship with art-making is continually informed and inspired by my work as a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, my deep connection to the natural world and the delight of grand parenting two young, creative souls.
In my twenties the creative force that had been squashed at an early age by a shaming teacher was re-ignited, taking me initially into the world of fabric arts and basket-making. Being part of the MendoDada group helped me see that art could be fun, irreverent and political.
In the early part of this century I turned from mixed media to painting, first working in acrylic and then, when I discovered the luminosity and versatility of encaustic, working in that medium. At a certain point I noticed that I just wanted to paint on the surface of my encaustic pieces and returned to painting on canvas, using water soluble oil paints. More recently, I’ve found a happy medium between encaustic and oil painting by incorporating cold wax into my work.
My relationship with art-making is continually informed and inspired by my work as a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, my deep connection to the natural world and the delight of grand parenting two young, creative souls.
Exhibits
- April 2007 - Mendocino Community College Student Show, Ukiah CA
- September 2008 - Tierra Art Wine Garden, Ukiah CA
- March 2008 - October 2008 Art Center, Corner Gallery, Ukiah CA
- October 2013, September 2014 - Open Studio Tour, Ukiah CA
- 2013-Present - Individual pieces in varied juried shows, Art Center, Ukiah CA
- March 2018 - Art for the Climate, Mama’s Cafe, Ukiah CA
- August 2018 - Strictly Abstract juried show, Healdsburg Center for the Arts, Healdsburg CA
- September 2018 - Open Studio Tour, Ukiah CA
- November 2018 - “Wild” show at Art Center, Ukiah CA
- January 2019 - Endangered Planet show, Corner Gallery, Ukiah CA