I come from a long line of people who make things – brick masons, fiber artists, painters, potters, gardeners – and like them, I must make things. Whether it is a pie from scratch, a new shirt, or a pair of socks, I love making something from nothing, making it all on my own. For me the exciting part of art making is the problem solving, putting puzzle pieces together, exploring the “what if’s” of creating that are so thrilling. Whether I work in fiber or clay or paint or all at the same time, I need to see what will happen next. Each stitch, each mark, each brush stroke changes the work, moves it in another direction, maybe even away from where I thought I was taking the work. And those changes in direction, those whole new worlds of possibility are infinitely exhilarating to me. I am driven to discover where the work itself will lead.

Biography

I have worked independently with Melody Johnson (fiber), Marilyn Hughey Phillis (painting), Robert Burridge (painting), Mitch Lyons (clay monoprinting), and Tatana Kellner (printmaking).

My clay monoprints have won awards in numerous regional juried exhibitions including: Cross Currents at Oglebay Institute, West Virginia Juried Biennial, and Tamarack’s Best of West Virginia exhibits.

My paintings have been shown at the Westmoreland Art Museum, Greensburg, PA in the Juried Biennial there.

Solo and groups shows have been held at the Gallery on 43rd Str. Pittsburgh, ArtWorks Around Town, the Artisan Center, and Etc. Gallery, all in Wheeling, and as part of West Virginia Women Create in the Monongalia Arts Center, Morgantown.

Awards include Best of Show, Bethany Annual Fall Exhibit; Honorable Mention and Second Place Cross Currents (2017 and various years); and Merit Award WV Juried Biennial 2017.

Other Creative Skills

Painting, Printmaking, Textile Design & Artistry