A native Marylander with a new basecamp in Traverse City, Michigan. I think I’m going to like it here.
I’ve been documenting my creative endeavors since 2014. Thoughts on the creative process, my travels, shows, new ideas and what’s on my easel are just a few things I post on. Feel free to linger…
A Little bit about myself:
I am originally a native of the Washington, D.C. area suburbs. I was a Gerontologist for seven years. I have been director of care management for two geriatric care management firms. I also provided consulting services for eldercare providers, as well as speaking engagements and continuing education for estate planners, long term care insurance providers, nursing home administrators, nurses, social workers and the MS Society.
While working in healthcare, my art was a form of self therapy. Disease and death, disengagement and decline of the physical body, is difficult to watch. Creating new, permanent things was a way of consoling myself when an elderly friend or client passed away. After losing a very dear young friend, I took a sabbatical from eldercare consulting, and re-evaluated how I wanted to spend the hours that I’d devote to work. I spent every spare minute painting whatever came to mind. As each of our children was born, light replaced the dark space, and my mind was fresh again. I decided to pursue art as a vocation, rather than return to healthcare.
I have painted in my free time since 1999, and now work exclusively as an artist. Mediums include fiber, oils, acrylics, and watercolor. On occasion, I also construct functional art from local driftwood. Being an artist allows me to be at home with my little ones, and taps into a part of me that was never utilized in my prior positions in the health care field. I have been pleasantly surprised at the positive response I have received on my work, and the personal and spiritual enrichment painting brings to my life.
Artist’s Statement:
My work is uncomplicated. Playful and fluid, yet deliberate in placement and use of hue. I start each new piece with a sketch, then build a painting by using many layers of color. My artistic style is inspired by my young family. Since being a mother, I find myself drawn to subjects involving familial ties and nature. I work color bi-polar, either using a highly saturated palette or very little color at all in monochromatic works such as my "Preakness" series.
I’ve Hung at:
Maryland Hall for the Arts
Circle Gallery, State Circle, Annapolis, MD
West Annapolis Artworks, Annapolis, MD
Fra Angelica Gallery, Fifth Street Arcade, Downtown Cleveland
Gallery B, Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD
Gallery 90, Hospice of the Chesapeake, Pasadena, MD
Paul’s Homewood Café, Annapolis Maryland
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland Public Library, Downtown Cleveland, Ohio
Mac Worthington Gallery, North High Street Arts District, Columbus, Ohio
ART (Artist Review Today) Gallery, The Galleria at Downtown Cleveland
Fra Angelica Gallery, Avon, Ohio
Panda Gallery, Okemos, Michigan
Shows:
2015 Gallery 90, Hospice of Chesapeake, Pasadena, MD
2015 Gallery B Bethesda, MD, MFA at Gallery B Show
2015 Maryland Federation of Art Fall Members Show
2015 Colors of Summer, West Annapolis Artworks
2015 Artists Across Maryland, Lowe’s Building, Annapolis *by invitation only
2015 Maryland Landscapes, West Annapolis Artworks
2015 Member Madness, Circle Gallery
2015 Summer Member Show, Circle Gallery
2015 Spring Member Show, Circle Gallery
2015 MFA’s Great Member Online Exibition
2014 Holiday Show, West Annapolis Artworks
2014 Member Holiday Shop, Maryland Federation of Art
2014 Fall Member Show, Circle Gallery
2014 Paul’s Homewood Café (joint show with Kate Stillwell)
2014 “Cityscapes” Summer Show at West Annapolis Artworks
2014 Spring Member Show, Circle Gallery
2014 Artist’s Melange I, Circle Gallery, Annapolis
2014 MFA at Gallery B, Bethesda
2013 Martha Stewart “American Made” Nominee-Fiber
2013 Fine Art Europe Website Contest Nominee: The Holy Family
2013 Summer Member Show, Circle Gallery
2013 Spring Member Show, Circle Gallery
2012 Women in the Arts Exhibit, Cleveland Public Library
2011 Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Summer Show