To know is nothing at all; to imagine is everything.

- Anatole France (1844-1924)

Growing up in a small town, I had ample opportunity to exercise my imagination. During the thick, slow days of summer, I’d settle into the green shelter of the twin willow trees which framed my family’s backyard and there felt free to imagine, read, write, draw, and dream of living a creative life. In my art, I imagine and dream and hunt for treasures: the spark close to the heart, the inner world which lies deep below the surface. Being extraordinarily near-sighted, my art also reflects two very different views I have of the outer world. When wearing my glasses, I see clean lines and minute details. Without my glasses? I see light and dark. Splotches of color. Shapes. Different perspectives. All of this is reflected in my art.

I’ve been making monotypes since the year 2000 and now have created more than 300 finished pieces. My studio is on the second floor of a building which once housed a school for girls. Tall windows rise about 15 feet, opening the east and south sides of my studio. In the middle of my studio sits the full-size etching press I use to print my monotypes. The green shade of the willow tree now has taken the form of a sunny and light-filled studio.  

My imagination fuels most of my pictures, although from time to time I’ll jump start a picture by looking at drawings I’ve made or photographs I’ve taken. Sometimes I know how I’m going to start a monotype. More often than not, I start a picture by making marks on a plate and moving the ink around until I see an image begin to appear. This is the spark which further ignites my imagination and brings to the surface the images in my work. When making art, I try to think as little as possible, and go with the flow. Through the relatively simple medium of monotype and a bit of water-based ink, I feel completely free to travel wherever my imagination may take me and create a hand printed memento of my travels.

Through art I’ve discovered the joy of work I love: making something with my hands, at my own pace, with excellent tools and materials. Art is where I feel whole and free. Art is where my spirit feels most at home.