I am an artist who faces the past without fear, the future with hope , and believes in the power of beauty to heal. I am an artist whose work helps people tell the stories of their lives.

The mystery of memory; the wonder of dreams are a part of my work. I don’t have a single theme that runs through my work, but I often find that that I juxtapose several very ordinary images, creating an unexpectedly surrealistic result. The photo at the top of this page was taken  by me on the Oregon Coast, and is an example of nature creating the dream-like quality that I often strive for in my work.

When I look around me I am moved and inspired by faces, colors and shapes. Often just one small scrap of paper will lead me to pull together objects that normally aren’t expected to live happily together and  create a work of art that speaks to each viewer in a unique way. My goal is to create something beautiful that will bring joy and peace to the viewer. The emotions invoked may be joyful or melancholy, but they are real and, I hope, liberating.

As a teacher, I often feel that I learn more from my students than I teach them. I believe that everyone has natural creativity, and that finding a way to open up and let that creativity take flight is crucial to keeping sane in an increasingly chaotic world. I see collage as an avenue for anyone to touch that creative spirit that lives within.

I try to make my workshops a comfortable environment for everyone. It is a joy to be part of an experience with a group of people as they open up and find creative resources they didn’t suspect they had. The spirit of cooperation and mutual encouragement seems to grow as the day goes on.

I hope you enjoy looking at my work, and will feel free to contact me with any comments or questions you may have.