I was inspired by art at a young age and fully expected it to be part of my life always. My college experience began with a major in fine arts. I soon became fascinated with the social and psychological aspects of people. Trends, what inspires individuals and groups. How we are impacted by life itself. As a result my career path led me to the marketing world where I enjoyed many years in senior positions managing brand strategy for companies in health, wellness and sports and recreation.

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Then things changed in 2010. I felt a pull so strong I became distracted. While the sociology and psychology of the human race served me well in the marketing world, I knew art – by itself – was my home, my soul, and where my heart was. In 2018 I bid corporate life a fond farewell and began to explore what I had left behind many years ago. It was an awakening. And it grows stronger every day. I was born and raised in Minnesota, the heart of Scandinavian influence and with the strength of the Viking to withstand the winters. I’ve had the privilege to live in Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Arizona. My inspiration comes from the Midwest and Southwest regions of the United States, while I’m also influenced by my travels to Alaska, South America.

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In the recent years I’ve had the opportunity to study under several known and talented artists. Each has led me on my journey of discovery and understanding. I have a deep appreciation for the guidance of:

 

• Alex Manzanares. Contemporary artist, helping me understand the emotion in my pieces to evoke a personal experience.

• Rod Zullo. Known for expressive animal structures based on solid proportions, he opened me upto the animal world where I often gravitate.

• Chen Khee Chee. Water colorist and illustrator. Woke me up to the amazing beauty of color and taught me to create what I KNOW from within.

• Scott Turner, taught me negative space thinking to discover what is underneath and to bring forward into brilliant life.

• Peter Flynn. Without basics and fundamentals my ceramics and sculptures would have never breathed life beyond the kiln.

 

All have helped me to see more clearly, and to trust that which comes from within. It is here, where I find freedom to express what takes ahold of me and won’t let go.