I’ve always made things. I’ve always thought it was important to make things. It’s one of the ways I enter into and participate in the world. Relationships are forged, moments are experienced, art is made.

Photography, the dark room in particular, was my first date with my sweetheart. Our second was at a gig…I’m also a drummer and percussionist and have built drums with fellow musicians in the backyard. I’ve done woodworking with my Dad, thrown pottery in the greenhouse, built sculptures with classmates, made masks with students, learned to bake bread from a weaver. Make things.

I’ve had the good fortune to see some great art around the world, especially paintings. Inspired by art history and encouraged by friends and family, I went back to painting a few years ago.

I’m currently an award-winning decorative painter, particularly flower blooms and abstracts. with the goal of providing an impact in a room, whether a personal space like one’s living room or a public lobby or office space.

Though I may have a bit of angst while creating, my work is always intended to offer a bit of joy, an interesting shape, or a friendly pop of color to the viewer.

I earned a B. S. in Art Education at Ball State University. I used my teaching skills, when living in Hawaii, at Nanaikapono Elementary where I taught art to 4th, 5th and 6th graders in the only classroom on the beach! I’ve continued to study Art at Herron School of Art, The Art Center, and with fellow artists where we can share tips, techniques, and critiques.

I am retired after 40 years, as the sole proprietor of Affordable Custom Picture Framing.