What do I say about myself?
I grew up roaming the woods, riding my bike and loving nature.
In all the photos of me, you will see me clutching a worn paper bag. It was full of bird feathers, interesting rocks and all sorts of treasured natural items.
To this day, I carry a bag with me to collect natural items to use in my artwork later.
I hope that I display them in a much more sophicated manner now.
I worked as an RN for many, many years in Neonatal ICU.
While working as a nurse, I sold handmade items to everyone for different occasions.
Even as I worked as a care giver, I worked as an artist.
The years leading up to a tramatic divorce (and aren't they all?) I survived by creating art.
It was truly my salvation as it continues to save me today.
In 2001 I met my greatest advocate and fan - my hero, the love of my life...my husband.
T.R. saw something in me that I could not see in myself at the time.
I hoped that "it" was there but was so unsure of myself at the time that I couldn't see it.
He gently encouraged me to get out, to meet other artists and show my artwork.
This really changed my life - the reception of my artwork, of me.
In 2008 I started a blog, began teaching and submitted artwork for publication in two books.
I was on my way to acheiving some of my lifelong goals and dreams:
Be an artist.
Be an author.
Teach others to celebrate their creative spirit.
I have artwork in four books, with a project coming out this fall (I hope) in an e-book with Lark.
I teach nationally and plan on teaching internationally soon.
I want to write a book about mixed media book making.
I love to teach.
I love to see the spark in my students eyes that they can create beautiful art.
I love to hear other people say that I helped them to look at the world in a different manner.
I am co-creator of the Greenville SC "Sketch In" with Susan Sorrell.
I am one of the 16 professional artists participating in the "Sketchbook Challenge" online project.
I have a 22 year old son in art school. My 20 year old step son is at Clemson and my step daughter is still in high school.
My husband (whom I adore) and I love to kayak and go camping.
We grow our own organic lettuce and other vegtables.
I still love to roam around in the woods, love nature and everything about Her.
If I'm not knee deep in water, kayaking with my husband, then I am elbow deep in paint, paper and fiber, creating art that tells a great story.
I'd love for you to follow along with me.
