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.
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
You can contact me by phone at 707.462.1877.