I was born on the Summer Solstice in 1954, in Billings, Montana. I attended school, grew up, and had my family there, then moved to Oregon to accept my first teaching position, at the age of 32. Before I re-entered teaching last year, for 10 year, I was an artist and had some success with jewelry and painting at a gallery in Sisters, Oregon. I am now, however, back to teaching full time, though I still make jewelry and paintings. It's busy, but fun!
My work in acrylic painting has won awards in juried shows. I have a degree (BA) in Art Education and in Fine Art from Montana State University. I will be receiving my Masters in Education in three years (specializing in art). I have also recently submitted some requested Art Clay pieces to Fire Mountain Gems for use in their national advertising.
I am a painter, a potter, and I teach art full time at a local high school. I also teach various workshops in my area for the local community college, an arts center, and through a local bead store.
Artist Philosophy:
For me, any kind of creative endeavor is about exploration. Having been endowed at birth with a restless curiosity, followed very early by a desire to make things, I have explored many media in art, and have enjoyed them all. I especially love the spontaneous creation possibilities that metal clay provides, and although I probably need to re-learn some traditional jewelry making technology, I thoroughly enjoy the endless possibilities of creativity in this amazing material. It's great!
