Age six, is when I realized that I wanted to be an artist. Art has been a constant and continuous part of my life. Being an artist is a life long journey that starts with the desire to make art, to learning the basics of art, then on to creating art, all of which amount to a life-long learning experience.

Fortunately, I had a mother that encouraged and supported me all along and throughout my artistic journey. With out her encouragement, I may not have pursued art. Art classes weren't offered at the grade school and high school I attended. After high school, I attended the Minneapolis School of Art (now called Minneapolis College of Art and Design). MSA had many wonderful teachers that taught drawing (the foundation of all art), painting, and also to really see, not to simply look.

Art is more than just an occupation; it is a way of viewing life. Artists develop a keen sense of seeing the aesthetics of nature, and all that surround us. Artists are forever curious and keep an attitude of continuous study, seeing beauty in the ordinary and the ugly, with a heightened sense of color, value, shape, texture and form. These elements are what excite and challenge me to try to create what I see... on paper, canvas, clay, wood or stone.

It is said that artists usually live long lives... because we are doing something we love to do. Artists create something out of nothing and find it a rewarding and uplifting experience. An occupation in art, has its highs and lows, as does life, but it's an occupation that I wouldn¹t trade for any other.