I have always identified as an artist + maker. I did not long to "be" an artist. I knew I simply was one.
My last husband disdainfully told me, "the world doesn't need another landscape painter," and that my "business was nothing more than a 'hobby.'" My last partner despised anybody who had the dared to call themselves an "Ahhh-teest." Yeah, they were both assholes too. Sorry/not sorry, that was extremely reductive of 20 years. I did love them both - at separate times, lol.
Straight out of high school I was accepted into the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. My art education blossomed at Viterbo College, a small private Catholic school in LaCrosse, WI. Spending six years in private art colleges I hated to graduate.
I loved that learning about art, art history and simply learning were my raison d'etre.
Throughout the years since I’ve supported myself and my kids as a single mom, my primary clients are environmentally related non-for-profits.
The work is wonderfully gratifying. Now it’s my turn. Making my art has moved into prime time slots. Always knew I’d get here.