I was a traveling quilt artist (teaching and lecturing) from 1993 to 2001. I have had students from all around the world and have gained much from them. During that time period, my primary focus was quilted art since it was my profession as an author, teacher, and company spokesperson.

Creating art quilts led me to other mediums beyond fabric, such as: small sculptural art characters, polymer clay, felting, and fiber arts such as threadwork and collage. Although I still continue to take art quilt commissions, and to make them for my own enjoyment, my primary artistic focus now is graphic arts (pen & ink, and color pencil, sometimes with watercolor) and acrylic painting.

Overall design and color wind me up. Then focusing in on fine details is what keeps me going. This is how I imagine a viewer sees art. It is important to me that each work be appreciated both far and near in the various aspects of design and construction. I strive for a pleasing combination of balance and form so the eye roams over the entire surface. Upon closer inspection the viewer is treated to more detail. I have no problem spending weeks of 10 hour days, making millions of pen/ink dots, one at a time, to accomplish the look I want.

Quality in both materials and construction are necessary to me for creating a lasting piece of art. I expect all of my work to pass the test of time. Color should not change as the piece ages.

When working with textiles, I prefer to hand-color my own fabric so I am assured it will not fade and thus can be displayed with less concern over lighting issues. My stitching (now done all by hand) is often reinforced for a very well made piece. If the piece has beadwork, I either use high quality crystal or precious and semi-precious gem stones.

When I am working with inks, pencils, paints and the various supports used, I make sure I am using the highest artist grade materials available. I specifically choose the best lightfast and archival ratings.

I do not limit myself to any specific type, technique nor style of artwork. I appreciate tradition, yet I will often use unorthodox or innovative methods as I see fit. I only restrict myself to what I feel is required for the piece. I definitely think out of the box. I do not set out to create a masterpiece but instead, to have fun and learn. That may mean I complete a work in a day or over many months. Either way, I do my best.

My hope is that my work inspires imagination and a sense of wonderment to the viewer - perhaps even serenity or humor if that is the intent I am after.

I am very excited about the fine art of painting. I have been studying old as well as new styles and techniques. I have begun work exploring three styles in particular: post-impressionism, surrealism, and energism. I am also experimenting with organic abstracts as a way to stretch my experience with new mediums. At this time, I am primarily using acrylics on hardboard and stretched canvas. I make the supports myself for quality assurance and flexibility of size.

My personal philosophy:

Life itself is more enjoyable if looked at as a fun game of sorts we all play out... not a game to see who wins, nor to cause anyone to lose, but one to play to the end, as best as one can, with respect for all the other players and their unique, individual object of the game - each a winner in their own right.