Artist Statement
Art making has always been a large part of my life, however, I did not begin seriously making art and teaching art until later in life. I left my first career at the age of 50 and went back to school....art school....to pursue a lifelong dream. This dream was realized when I received my art degree in both studio art (photography) and art education. Now I feel I am where I am supposed to be in my life. I feel a spiritual connection to the world around me.
The art that I am drawn to encompasses several themes. First, I am drawn to the spirituality that exists in nature and am constantly finding new ways to express those feelings of wonder and spirit in the places around me. I am also drawn to history....the skills taught to me by my mother and grandmother, such as handwork, design, techniques in sewing, and a love for fibers. I have passed these skills to my own daughter, who is using them in her own art work. Finally, my love for construction, paper, and printmaking come together in collage work which expresses my spiritual feelings for nature and the wonderful women I have had the pleasure of knowing in my life.
I continue to explore all of these themes., though the methods are changing. Currently I am drawn to ultra close up photography of my surroundings and have found there is also beauty in the smallest details and how society views aging women. From personal experience, I an aware that women are often disregarded by society at large once they begin aging. The emphasis is on outward beauty instead of strength of character. I am currently planning on a series of photographic depictions of the beauty of aging women and the strength they possess. Watch this site for additions of these photographs.
Art making, for me, needs to express these important themes in my life....the presence of spirit in nature....strong women who have gone before me......spirituality in all its forms......and the aging of women.
The art that I am drawn to encompasses several themes. First, I am drawn to the spirituality that exists in nature and am constantly finding new ways to express those feelings of wonder and spirit in the places around me. I am also drawn to history....the skills taught to me by my mother and grandmother, such as handwork, design, techniques in sewing, and a love for fibers. I have passed these skills to my own daughter, who is using them in her own art work. Finally, my love for construction, paper, and printmaking come together in collage work which expresses my spiritual feelings for nature and the wonderful women I have had the pleasure of knowing in my life.
I continue to explore all of these themes., though the methods are changing. Currently I am drawn to ultra close up photography of my surroundings and have found there is also beauty in the smallest details and how society views aging women. From personal experience, I an aware that women are often disregarded by society at large once they begin aging. The emphasis is on outward beauty instead of strength of character. I am currently planning on a series of photographic depictions of the beauty of aging women and the strength they possess. Watch this site for additions of these photographs.
Art making, for me, needs to express these important themes in my life....the presence of spirit in nature....strong women who have gone before me......spirituality in all its forms......and the aging of women.
