As an artist I am inspired almost every single day by the things I’ve surrounded myself with inside and outside of my home. I am inspired by people, my family, especially my children, my friends, as well as other artists. I love art history, especially paintings of and by women, often looking to those images for inspiration. My interest in colorful vintage advertisements, typography & printmaking is something I’m currently researching for ways to incorporate all three into painting or collage projects. And then there are times I just take whatever medium is at hand to do a quick project as the time I went to the river with my sister-in-law and her painter friends for the sole purpose of losing myself in the artistic process just to escape from the “real” world for a bit.

I often separate crafts from art when speaking about my work but as a high school art teacher I participated in a professional workshop conducted by a university art professor who suggested that crafts should be seriously considered alongside what we traditionally think of as fine art and I tend to agree with that position. For me, transitioning from fine art practices to crafting and back again just makes sense and often one informs the other in creating unique pieces. That line blurs even further for me with regard to fashion and jewelry design. My closest friends know that I have always been a fashion enthusiast. I went to a college that didn’t have classes in fashion design so with the help of a home economics professor and art professor, I devised an independent study in fashion design, creating numerous drawings by taking inspiration from fashions seen in early paintings & adapting them to modern wear. I even saw one of my designs come to life as my friend chose it for her wedding dress! The process of working with a seamstress to make the dress was invaluable. Even though I chose not to pursue a career in fashion, it did inform later projects in textiles such as batik, another “favorite” of mine.

My interest in jewelry design started very early on and continues with my recent interest in designing boho style aromatherapy necklaces inspired by my sister who wanted some variety in using her aromatherapy oils rather than just a few simple lava beads on a chain. As it has throughout my life, I’m sure my jewelry creations will continuously change based on styles and influences on me. Not long ago I was into designing bracelets with a clay medallion I created as their feature.

Crafting for me recently has included felting, weaving, macrame, bookmaking, repurposing furniture, stenciling and simulating mercury glass on old windows. I am constantly browsing pinterest and markets in my area that spark creativity. Who knows what will inspire me next?