Art Walk - September

I have a very good long term memory with sound, color, and texture. Each painting begins with a memory.  I sift through images and feelings associated with that memory,  and then pick up my paintbrush and paint. 

Memory and Identity are closely linked. I believe that memories of experiences and feelings often form the basis for who we believe we are by providing important details of who we were at a given point in time. Our memories provide a map of changing and evolving identity. I sometimes struggle to feel the connection between who I was as a child, as a teenager, a young adult, and the person I am today.  Is it all the same person, really? 

I believe that all art reflects the identity of the artist.  In this case, since my art is triggered by memory, these paintings reflect my identity as it has changed through the years. My paintings are not literal representations or interpretations of events, but rather the expression of the feelings associated with memories and identity. 

Paper and graphic art have been life-long loves of mine. I love the way paper feels, the way it presents a blank slate for creativity.  For as long as I can remember I have used paper to combine shapes and color to make cards. In recent years, I have branched out to create small mixed media pieces which have included objects that I have collected.

I grew up in upstate New York and from there lived in several places on the east coast. I lived in Maine before moving to Seattle in 1981 and have happily been on Bainbridge Island for 9 years. I retired as a dental hygienist 5 years ago.