I paint because I have to.

People say my work makes them happy. I feel that if I can provide someone else with a bit of peace or make them smile, I have accomplished something that I consider to be important.

As far as I am concerned, a piece of art either works for you or it doesn't. When it does, it's like feeding the soul a hot fudge sundae... calorie-free. I hope my art works for you. If it doesn't, I hope someone else's does. We all deserve such perfect pleasures.

HOW I STARTED

I have always loved art, but never had the interest, nor thought I had the talent to create it myself. One day, age 40 something, a painting I disliked which was stored in a closet, got in my way one too many times. I took it out and decided to "fix" it. Since I owned only 2 cans of spray paint, I resorted to old lipstick, eye make-up, ribbons, and wrapping paper for additional color. When I had finished I was very pleased with my re-creation.

Soon after, I rescued a canvas from a neighbor’s trash. I bought some house paint to re-work that painting as well as others that I began to buy at thrift shops. I liked utilizing the texture provided by the existing paintings, because I didn’t know how to create texture myself. I did, however, experiment by mixing the paint with different things in search of something that would give it dimension. Eventually I added joint compound, and in so doing, discovered a passion that would redirect my life.

From that time almost ten years ago, I have been combining different sources of color -- from crayons to oil paints -- with plaster. I am fascinated by the many textures and colors that result from applying and combining the materials in different ways.

Sometimes I paint just to see the colors happen. Sometimes I paint to work out what is on my mind or in my heart. And sometimes, especially on wet, grey or otherwise depressing days…I just go to my studio and head for a beach.

I have never taken any art classes because I am afraid to learn what the rules are.

EXHIBITS

1999 Marion Meyer Contemporary Art, Laguna Beach, CA – group show

1999 Inn at Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA – one person show

1999 Art With A Heart, Tiburon, CA – group show

1999 Tiburon Town Hall, Tiburon, CA – one person show

1998 Marina Bike, San Francisco, CA – one person show

1998 Shelter Ball, Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco, CA – group show

1998 Bay View Bank, San Anselmo, CA - one person show

1997 Marin County Civic Center, San Rafael, CA – group show, juried Marin Arts Council

1997 Shelter Ball, Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco, CA – group show

1997 Fig Garden Gallery, San Anselmo, CA - one person show

1997 Tiburon Library, Tiburon, CA - group show, jurors S. Cummins, S. Hansen

1997 Tiburon Town Hall, Tiburon, CA, group show, juried Landmark Society

1997 Interior Exchange Gallery, Tiburon, CA - group show

1997 Marin Arts Council Open Studio, Tiburon, CA - one person show

1997 Home Savings Bank, Tiburon, CA - one person show

1995 Marin Arts Council, Corte Madera, CA - group show

1995 Bel-Tib Newcomers, Tiburon, CA - one person show

1994 CitiBank Gallery, Mill Valley, CA - one person show, juried Mill Valley Arts Commission

1994 Marin Arts Council, Corte Madera, CA - group show