“The soul of the space, the space of a soul,” that is my eternal pursuit, whether a landscape, an equestrian portrait, or pinning down the denizens of my imagination! Media are both means to that end, and explorations in and of themselves. I love both the tactile immediacy of painting in acrylics, oils and pastels, and the oft-removed abstracted visioning through photography and alternative processes. Sometimes words are conspicuous in their absence; sometimes they flow and tumble and pile up in their frenzy to be heard, and sometimes they step forth in the un/measured grace of verse. And then… those treasured magic moments when the art itself tells you what it wants next- “seriously, you want me to photograph you through a handheld slab of ice?”- and blows open the door on an incredible new adventure! The work is complete only when it’s released into the world, only when viewers’ experiences and interpretations complete the conversation
Biography
I come to art from an unconventional, self-directed background: a lifelong career training horses, teaching their humans and tending to the land taught me observation, appreciation of essence, communication and stewardship. These both inform and are often central subjects of my art. My academic background in Biology/ Geology provide a solid foundation for understanding the natural world as it is-and as it could be.
I create in photography, painting and mixed media. My explorations are linked by the search for “the soul of a space, the space of a soul” as opposed to stylistic homogeny. That “soul” may best shine through photographs shot through a lens of ice, bold color tossed by exuberant brushstrokes, or spontaneous wordplay. My deepest artistic goal is to inspire, evoke curiosity and incite change, while expressing the unexpected wonder of the world.
My work is often seen in locally and nationally juried exhibitions, and in group and solo shows in the tri-state area. My two 177″x36″ mosaic designs sparkle on local park bridges as anchors of a community arts installation. My successfully funded Kickstarter Campaign, “Picture Wild Ponies,” explores wild horse management on public lands and in local culture by focusing an artistic lens at the Assateague and Chincoteague pony herds. I was awarded a Puffin Foundation artist’s grant in 2019, and Professional Development Grant from West Virginia Department of Art, Culture and History, the West Virginia commission on the arts and the National Endowment for the Arts in 2020. I am a member of the Appalachian Pastel League and the Berkeley Arts Council, and serve on the board of the Jefferson Arts Council.
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Other Creative Skills
Drawing, Painting, Photography, Public Art Design & Production
