Artist Statement

Early memories of childhood were of isolation, illness, and family dysfunction.  Escapism lived between the covers of books such as the Andrew Lang’s Fairy Tales, or Tales from the Arabian Nights. These stories were illustrated by Dulac, Rackham and other artists who made words come to life with images that captivated the imagination and took me to magical worlds.  

As a teen the comfort from books transferred to drawing and painting. Wanting to be an illustrator, I created fantasy creatures and other worldly environments. Though I never pursued illustration due to lack of support and funding, I furthered my education, earning an BS and MS in Art Education, followed by a gratifying 21 year career working with youth at risk and differently-abled youth.  

Leaving that career I have plunged myself into studying and creating art, working intuitively and creating magical narrative works , some of which are influenced by the same fairy tales and fables of my youth, with others being explorations of the psyche and environment. The works are created with paint, collaged hand printed/painted papers, and antique papers.The work evokes the magic of childhood as seen through a wiser woman’s eyes. It tells of women saving women, of doors you must not open, of dreams and magical lands.  Like the illustrations in my childhood books, these pieces entertain, bring wonder and sanctuary to those who are willing to explore alternative worlds, where for a little while- you can leave your worries behind. 

“The studio is a dream world. Once the door is closed the outside world shut out, it is an escape to a place of wonder, exploration, magic, and resolution; a place where one feels most peaceful and complete.”  

T