I was born in Detroit, Michigan and lived in a farmhouse with my Grandparents and parents. The city of Detroit had already encroached on the farm land. Across the street was Edgewater Park, the largest amusement park in the city, often hosting the circus. For me, the brilliant swirling lights made the night a magical scene. My father knew most of the people who ran the park and it was amazing for me as a toddler, to enter this colorful and magical world. I thought that this was the real world beyond the farmhouse and I looked forward to joining it as an adult. This very early experience in my life formed the way I looked on my life and how I perceived it as a child and my foundation for my work. 

 

Throughout my formative years, I had a very close relationship with my mother’s family, especially my grandmother who lived in Bay View, Michigan. Just across the street was Lake Michigan, where I often spent hours alone thinking, swimming and daydreaming. I developed a very beautiful inner world and I was able to switch back and forth between these worlds to navigate my everyday life. 

 

Throughout my childhood and my years at universities, I studied different cultures and loved all aspects of this learning. I developed an open mind to different ways of thinking, believing, seeing and living. My work reflects all these experiences as well as how I regard those people who come into my life. Without knowing it, this became a gift I have given myself. Hence, I feel a great freedom and responsibility to my work, my students and those in my life to reflect this sensitivity toward them. 

 

My work centers around my life’s and global events, stories, myths, dreams and personal beliefs. This allows me a wide palette from which to move within and inspires my work in many ways. My travels have formed a part of me that opens my world in a richer way that expands with every adventure. I have opened my home students from China and they are like my family. My friends come from a diverse world. 

 

I have taught in many locations: Ohio, Illinois, New Mexico, North Carolina, New York, several countries in Europe, Mexico and Guatemala. My students range from K-8 graders, undergraduate and graduate students, a variety of workshops in Penland, NC, The Omega Institute, NY, NEOUCOM Medical School, OH and at various art museums in the United States.  

 

My work has been shown nationally and internally in a variety of museums and art galleries. I have worked on special projects within a diverse area of arts: the theatre, music and was one of two artists to create a poster for Amnesty International’s Human Rights Now! World Concert Tour. This poster was then used for their holiday greeting card. 

 

I continue my studies in art history, within the sciences, music, anthropology and whatever may spark my interest as I continue my research.