My Story

I grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a suburb just outside of Cleveland, and now live in Ada, MI. When I was in High School, I met an art teacher, and he was one of those once-in-a-lifetime teachers some of us are lucky enough to have. He taught me a lot, but many of his lessons had nothing to do with art but more about life and what it means to do your best. He and his lessons always stuck with me.  

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Over the years, I dabbled in the arts - painting, drawing, creating - I tried a variety of different creative endeavors, but life got in the way - I always got too busy with my day job, the kids, the house - everything else seemed to take precedence. And then covid hit and my job went virtual. I am the type of person that needs connection with people so, the remote work experience was not for me, and I was struggling. As much as I hated the lockdown, the time it provided enabled me to focus on and work on my art. As I spent more time on my art I came to adopt the mindset that everyone is an artist. We all have the ability, if not the duty, to create and contribute. I think the artist's struggle is finding a medium to work in and then the time to develop one's vision. I have been using pastel chalks and a variety of paper substrates to create on, most recently 400, 500, and 600 grit sanded paper. I have enjoyed using this medium. 

This art adventure / self-exploration journey has helped me to re-engage with old friends and to forge new relationships, but more so to observe and learn more about my community - it truly has changed my life by changing my perspective.