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When I approach the subject of art I am unable to separate the artist from the educator. I know the timeless freedom of the
process of creating; a blank canvas, a piece of white muslin, a lump of clay transformed into something from one's own
imagination. There are those who believe that humans are set apart by their ability to love. I believe that the need to create is
equally as strong. I have been privileged to assist others to find abilities they never knew they possessed through teaching. I have
seen the triumph when someone has created something completely and wholly their own. I have seen peace come to someone
totally absorbed in a project on which they are working. It is as if time has stopped or it makes what seems to be endless empty
time, fly.

I first experienced the magic of art when I was five years old. My cousin, Jeanne, who was a year older than I, took a piece of paper
and a pencil and drew a group of cartoon characters for me to see. I remember asking her where she learned to do that and she
said that she made them up in her head. I didn't know how that worked but I knew she was a good artist and I wanted to be able
to do that too.

While I enjoy working in a variety of mediums, pastel is one of my passions. I love the tactile nature of pastel and the intensity of
colors available. I appreciate the immediacy of pastel and the rich qualities of light that can be achieved. I have spent the last
four years focusing on pastel and learning as much as I can about the medium and its many aspects.

I make no limitations on my personal art. I find, however, that my appreciation of children carries over into painting them as well
as working with them. I have a wonderful collection of young relatives who have become accustomed to being the subjects of my
work. My landscapes always depict favorite places where I have spent time. I am fascinated by early morning and its particular
light. Early morning walks are simply the best. There is, of course, those amazing sunsets at the end of the day, and much to my
mother's dismay, I have always loved a good storm.

I look forward to each new opportunity to expand my understanding of the world through which I move. Thoughtful observation is
my goal. Making creative decisions on how to pass that essence on in a way that moves the viewer is my challenge.