About

When I began painting over 30 years ago, I was primarily influenced by the places I’d traveled to. The newness of an unfamiliar environment allowed me to notice details I might normally overlook. I drew from those experiences on a subconscious level, creating a visual vocabulary that continues to evolve. For example, what initially started as a candelabra eventually morphed into something resembling a strange animal with hands—or perhaps a tree. I intentionally keep my work ambiguous, allowing viewers to create their own stories. I’m also mindful of how I title a painting, ensuring it doesn’t impose a specific meaning on those seeking their interpretations.

I rely on memory and the way a place makes me feel when I paint. My process is rooted in intuition rather than a predetermined idea. I use icons and patterns carried over from previous work, occasionally adding fresh imagery, and allowing the painting to unfold naturally. The process involves adding, layering, and subtracting colors while constantly fighting the urge to do what’s familiar. It can be a challenge to know when a painting is finished, but over time I’ve learned to trust the process. This freedom to take risks often leads to more unpredictable and interesting results.

Colors and patterns play a significant role, often reflecting my emotions at the time. Music is also an important influence—it helps me access certain feelings, and sometimes its rhythm works its way into the patterns of a piece. If you were to look deeper into the layers of a painting, you might find a portrait that evolved into a landscape, or vice versa. Alternating subject matter keeps the process fresh and opens the door to surprises. When I feel more introspective, I often switch from landscapes to portraits.

My favorite part of the process is the final step: adding subtle pencil lines over uncontrolled abstract backdrops. This addition of drawing brings a sense of control and precision back into the composition with something as simple as a lead pencil.

I live in St. Paul, MN, with my husband and our 16-year-old son. I work full-time as a Web and UX designer at Metro Transit, and I love spending my free time painting, taking classes, traveling, gardening, and swing dancing.