When my children were young, I enrolled in the Art Department at UNCA. I quickly discovered that following this artistic path was my “calling”, and I slowly but surely make my way through the BFA program, while being the on duty parent at home. The rigorous curriculum provided me with a strong foundation in all aspects of art; most important, I think, was teaching me to “see” the world, and myself, in a more intentional way.

Early in my career, I focused primarily on portraiture. I was honored to be commissioned by the University to paint the portrait of the late, former Chancellor Samuel Shuman. But, because I have always found myself enthralled by color and the magic of light, I found myself wandering from figurative work and being drawn to the natural world as a source of inspiration. It’s the transient, enchanting effects of light on the subject matter that I am continually exploring. This profound emotional experience is what I strive to convey in all genres of my work – whether it be the rich tapestry of the landscape, or the intricacies of a flower. I have gained a greater appreciation for the physical world, the transcendent beauty that can be found in the simplest and most ordinary scenes, and an awareness of it’s fragility in this fast paced and tumultuous world.

My work evolves from this place of memory and emotion, as I as I work, inspired primarily from my own reference photos, I become more intuitive with my use of the color and the light, to create a place that may or may not have existed in my past – perhaps only in a dream.

Sharing my knowledge has become important to me, and being in The River Arts District at 310 Art has provided me with the wonderful opportunity to teach. I draw a lot from my experiences at UNCA, but honestly, it’s what I have learned in my own artistic journey that I love to share. I find joy in emboldening students of any age with an “I can do this” spirit, and helping them to find confidence in their own voice and style of expression.