STATEMENT

Simply being in nature, I find inspiration and energy while working abstractly or
representationally—the style and materials depending upon the voice I wish to express. Often, I
don’t know how I will respond until I begin the process of creating. What if this? What if that?
What if I develop a three-minute figure drawing into an expression of my feelings & opinions?
What if I go outside in nature to paint what inspires me there? Direct. Sensory-laden. Joyous. Or
what if I find inspiration from animals at a friends’ organic farm? Risk-taking, reflection,
development, and surprise are aspects of my process and keep me highly engaged. Along with
the natural world, the magic of creativity is my guide. No matter how I segue into this, I strive
to tap into more universal expressions in which to share with others.

As an art teacher now retired, I have resumed my painting career with much excitement. I
retired ten years ago after teaching art at Montgomery Township Schools for twenty years,
assorted other public and private schools for a career spanning thirty-five years. Steering me
back to the artist within, I am grateful for a fellowship with the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
as artist-educator with a grant to develop my artistic endeavors in particular and the artistic
endeavors of my students (and the entire school, in general) in 1998. The grant also enabled me
to participate in numerous travel excursions and mini-grants and to discover art resources and
instructors in this area since I grew up in Pittsburgh, spent time in California and Lancaster (PA),
and eventually settled in the Lambertville area in 1996.