Artist's Statement

For over 35 years, I’ve taught students from middle school through college how to express themselves creatively. I’ve demonstrated perspective, focal point, rhythm, harmony, directional forces, unity and color theory through a vast array of visual media—from clay to colored pencil, from transfer type to computers. The principles of design don’t change, but the means for self-expression do. I’ve nurtured, cajoled, prodded and pushed my students to use their imaginations and creative talents in ways that allow them to freely explore their ideas without fear of failure.

Well, now it’s my turn.

Intellectually I know and understand the principles of good design, yet I don’t necessarily honor them in my own work. For me, it’s all about bold, in-your-face color, and form—organic and downright sensuous. In painting, my subjects are clearly floral in nature—but not true to structural anatomy.

In jewelry, it’s all about living in southwest Michigan and looking for ways to counteract cloudy days. Bright, colorful, funky jewelry is one way to thumb my nose at gloom, and in the process, wear something that makes me (and hopefully you) smile.

Art is, and always should be, merely a means for self-expression. As an artist, teacher, and graphic designer, I’m thrilled with the prospect of creating something that doesn’t have to communicate a clear message. I just want to relish in pushing color to extremes and paying homage to the beauty of nature and design.