BIO & STATEMENT: I enjoyed a career as a K-12 art educator for over twenty years in Blue Valley 229, a large suburban school district, as well as adult workshops in the fiber arts. I earned a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in Painting from the Kansas City Art Institute. Teaching credentials were earned through Avila university and a Master of Education from Mid America Nazarene University, both in the Kansas City area. I’ve enjoyed membership in MoFA and was a Surface Design Association representative for many years. I’ve also been fortunate to take many excellent workshops in textile, fiber and technology from numerous fine teaching artists and authors.
I create smaller-scaled mixed media wall pieces, both matted/framed and mounted on stretchers or free hanging. Various printmaking methods on paper and cloth are utilized to create imagery. The design process includes using found objects and created stencils. Pattern and texture are very important elements of the work. Sometimes the hand pulled prints are digitally manipulated to create archival prints with additional patterning. Texture is created by various surface techniques, such as stitching.
The monoprint printmaking process is mesmerizing, due to the creative unpredictability and one-of-a-kind results. The process requires spontaneity, improvisational thinking and a make-do attitude that I value. Color is utilized for its emotional effect, and a highly textured surface pulls in the viewer. I work toward creating a duality of organic as well as carefully formulated design elements.
I hope to evoke interest and emotions through imagery, color and texture. My objectives, in part, are to produce art which could be used to create a pause in the viewer’s life… an opportunity to reflect and take a closer look at reflections of the interesting world around us.