Artist's Statement
Like many artists, I can't remember a time when I didn't draw or paint.
I grew up in Chicago, and two things stand out in my memory as giving
me great joy: Visits to the famous Art Instititute of Chicago and the
annual art contests at school. the Art Institute was spectacular, so
many different kinds of art! The contests at school challenged me and
if I won, it boosted my self confidence. Art seemed like it came
naturally, and my dream was to teach art and make a living in some form
of art expression.
In 1979, I married Keith, and moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where we raised
two children. I earned a degree in commercial photography, and owned a
small, home based portrait studio until our move to Plymouth, Michigan
in 1992. there I studied Graphic Design, and worked for 2 small
companies. While working in the graphic design field, I studied drawing
with an outstanding teacher, David Messing of Livonia, Michigan.
Drawing became my main medium, and it was all I really wanted to do.
And then I found glass beadmaking and it changed my life.
There are infinite possiblilites with glass - shape, color, inclusions,
surface treatments... all these make my palette limitless, and the idea
of making something so timeless, yet so practical appeals to me. It is
exciting to know people are using my creations to incorporate into
their own designs. Like a pebble dropped into a pond, the ripples
continue to radiate outward ---those designers sell their creations,
the person buying the piece may be giving it to their mother or sister
or friend, and it may not stop there!
I've come full circle now, and moved back to the Chicago area. Before
leaving Michigan, I taught at the Toledo Museum of Art and now teach at
our bead store in New Lenox, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago). We host
a monthly open torch and workshops featuring great teachers like
Kate Fowle-Meleny, Doug Remschneider, Brent Graber, Anne Ricketts and Brad Pearson. I also
teach one-on-ones and occasional half day workshops. My work sells
internationally thru this website and in our bead store. If you wish to
receive an email outlining the class details just email me.
Thank you for visiting! |
