My interest lies in patterns and shapes as they occur in nature as a source for inspiration.  From the photographs that I take, I rework the images into other media, both illustrative and sculptural.  The resulting works are in acrylics, pastels, pencil, pen and ink, mask art, and innovative book arts. 

   The masks are my interpretation of what is inside each of us.  Each mask is handcrafted and hand-painted with a special added quality that is intrinsic to its soft, yet highly textured surface.  My newest exploration in color has been through the use of acrylics in small works as a way to further push the essence of pattern in an expressionistic manner.  These small paintings are abstract, which is a departure from the representational works in pastel, pencil, and pen and ink that I created for many years.  I consider these a fun and less controlled way of working that come at a time of transition for my art. 

   Art is an important part of who I am, having been involved with the visual arts in many different ways for the past 27 years.  I graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from SUNY Cortland.  I also hold a master’s degree in Negotiation and Conflict Management from California State University – Dominguez Hills.  I will begin a Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Art at Goddard College in February 2008.  In addition to making art, I tutor students in art history and studio art studies for Empire State College at the Ithaca Unit, where I am the unit manager.  I am also an active member of the Cortland Art League and interact with other artists in the community.