I was born and raised in the eastern hills of Pennsylvania, where I began "making pictures" as far back as I can remember. I eventually attended Drake University (in Des Moines, Iowa and Florence, Italy) and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and received my BFA in painting and drawing from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. I continued on and earned my MFA in drawing, painting and sculpture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
I taught at the University of Minnesota-Duluth for ten years, as well as at Fon du Lac Tribal College in Minnesota and Viterbo College's Distance Learning Program in Wisconsin.
I have exhibited in solo, juried and invitational exhibitions both regionally and nationally and also internationally in Mexico, Cuba and Italy. I have been pleased to be honored with several awards, grants and a residency in support of my work. Merrimon Galleries has a full professional resume on hand for anyone desiring more information.
Yoga philosophy, like other spiritual pursuits, examines how we live our lives and how to potentially live them with greater equanimity. It reminds us that we cannot sidestep the fundamental, yet daunting issues of our everyday self/mind in the pursuit of a higher notion of Self. The yogic teaching to access the body as a vehicle for greater awareness is compatible with my desire to find primary sources that have always been there, close to home, and that are available to everyone.
We can begin to recognize the unconscious patterns we create while living our lives: patterns of struggle, habit, denial, want, fear and distraction which take a toll oun our bodies, minds and spirits. This active awareness can be a first steip in our search for a clearer, less fragmented and isolated self.
Each specific drawing contains its own seed or germ which is a part of a larger whole which is developing a more complete picture of us as human beings. As one experience or idea does not make a complete person, nor does one drawing aspire to encompass much or all of the human condition. Each serves as a glimpse that attempts to clarify the larger vision.
I particularly enjoy drawing on papers such as papyrus and bark paper because their "grounded" quality supports my ideas and their elemental quality complements the often raw simplicity of my images.
In the meantime, I am happy to be once again living and making art in these old eastern hills.