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Biography: I was born to nomadic hippies in the seventies. With them, I traveled through 28 states, commune to commune. During this time, I experienced many rich geographic cultures, colorful personalities, many different ways of life, and a couple of pet monkeys. I set off on my own at a relatively early age and immersed myself in the counterculture of my own generation. I found a home amid the punk rock movement and tumultuous political currents of the times. A solo trip to New York City and London introduced me to the amazing works of street artists and street culture. The tribal aspect of Eskimo, Mexican, African, and Native American culture that I experienced as a child, the counterculture of New York and London that I encountered, and the edginess of the eighties inform my work today.
My love for the tactile nature of fiber began at a very early age, sitting at my Great Grandmother’s knitting basket and running my fingers through fibers, something I still think about while manipulating my own fiber works today. I graduated with a concentration in fine art and worked for many years as an interior designer. This further nourished my love of the limitless color and texture of textiles. As an adult, I have become very influenced by Japanese and Scandinavian craft culture. My eye is always drawn to something unique. As such, I am drawn to the creation of something that causes the person to pause their eye and be drawn to touch, as I did at my Great Grandmother’s knitting basket.
I live in Miami, a place that breathes life into me. The mix of cultures and unique personalities invigorate me. Miami’s unquenchable thirst for all things colorful, beautiful, and creative inspires me at every turn. I am blessed to share this amazing life with my loving and supportive husband of nineteen years and our creative and joyful daughter, who is often my muse.
Show highlights: Hot House, Design Sublime, Miami, FL
Dada Centennial, Santa Fe, NM
Spectrum, Miami, FL
Draw Environment with Art, Geoji, South Korea
Tokyo International Art Festival, Tokyo, Japan
Do you make a career out of or hope to make a career out of art, or is it a sideline for you?
Ive always been an artist, even before it said so on my business card. I’ve created in some form and various media my entire life.
What is it about your work that makes it speak to people or to the community at large?
The short answer is, it’s different. I think fiber art is coming into its own again however, my vision is a departure from traditional fiber works while employing some traditional methods. I think people are drawn to my work because they are curious and because more than one of their senses are being engaged. The viewer will often ask the story of my totems, the inspiration, and sometimes what they are. They are interacting with me and my work; visually, intellectually, emotionally, and tactilely. This opens a dialogue that delves deeply into my personal life and creative process. This is often difficult for me as the creative experience is my personal experience. It seems to draw the viewer near for the interaction with may both wish to have.
How do you let people know about your work and your shows?
I let people know through social media, my web site, and whomever is putting on the show usually does a great job of letting people know.
What do you feel inspires you to make art in the particular medium you have chosen?
I’m tactile by nature. I love the way fiber feels wrapped around my fingers. I’ve worked in every media I have gotten my hands on and fiber is the only medium that completely scratches my creative itch.
Why Miami?
We originally moved to Miami due to health reasons. The ocean, heat, and salt air seemed to cure several conditions better that medication. I cold by nature, so winter really doesn’t agree with me.
Miami is a feast for the senses. I find inspiration everywhere, as Miamians often do things just for the beauty of it. There is beauty to be found in every direction and I often find myself lost in it.
Do you have a favorite artist from the past or present?
I’m very inspired by the work of Munakata Shikō. His stark black and whites and interesting color pallet cause me to study his woodblock prints for hours. Watching video of the way he worked sparks my imagination. His intensity while carving is amazing.
If someone wanted to get into being an artist, what would be your first suggestion to them?
Experiment! Create whatever your mind conjures. Try everything and don’t be afraid to fail. Often those failures lead to successes in other pieces. Try not to care too much what others think of your art, create for yourself first.
Testimonial: Life is Art put on a local artists exhibition in conjunction with Art Deco Weekend on South Beach. It was a fantastic opportunity and I was thrilled to be included. It was a master class in exhibiting. The things I experienced at that show and the connections I made are still with me to this day.
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