As an older, nontraditional student who entered a studio art MFA program during a busy time of parenthood and multiple part-time jobs, post-graduation illusions of persisting as a studio artist quickly vanished into the margins of career and family demands. But in 2015, after a major car accident, my spiritual life and personal engagement with my dreams acted as a portal, transporting me back to the healing power and expressive communication that comes through visual art. This challenging occurrence reignited my passion for art-making. Heeding this call has completely rearranged my life and spurred me to switch professions, move to a larger city, work tirelessly and show my work widely. 

Because this personal visual art renaissance was spurred on by my dream life, my work often evokes the scenes, feeling tones, characters and narratives of dreams in a variety of two-dimensional media and collage. A strong color sensibility, delicate line work, actual texture and movement are characteristic elements and principles explored in my art. Abstraction, non-objectivity and multiple presentations (including two-sided pieces that can be displayed in multiple orientations and sculpture) are ways in which I build content and meaning in pieces. 

Now, 10 years after returning to a life centered around art, I am humbled by the opportunities I’ve been offered and accomplishments I’ve achieved.  As an art educator for students from early childhood to older adulthood and every stage in between, I believe art-making and the many benefits of creative expression, visual literacy, sharing of life experiences and creativity is for all. ​This work is rewarding and self-sustaining, and engagement with the dream lives of others and myself remains a core component of the work. Helping others connect to their own creativity and dream life will continue to renew and sustain my own.