Artist's Statement I first became aware of my love for visual art when I was in the sixth grade; and I began to explore the creative aspects of my nature. As I grew older and my exploration continued, the results was often not in the form of finished work, but simply the process of observing life in its varied forms, and allowing these observations to become integrated into myself. My formal education began in 1974 at the Maryland Institute of Art. It felt like the whole world began to open to me. I was learning the techniques to bring the feelings and ideas that came through my heart into physical form. My artwork is an expression of the joy and love that I feel for life. The process of creation: that is what is most important to me. The act of working becomes a meditation. The final outcome is an object with a significance of its own, which can be shared with others, and enjoyed for its own sake. While in college, I studied various fine arts and crafts, with my strongest area of focus being weaving and life drawing. I discovered that each medium related to all of the others, and each new process that I experienced brought me to a greater understanding of how the creative process functions within myself. With weaving my exploration of personal adornment began. This journey has taken me through: batik, beadwork, metalwork, shoe making, and now the art of hitching horsehair; though bead weaving remains my most loved form of expression. I first discovered beadwork in 1985, quite by accident. Having moved into a very tiny trailer that couldn’t hold my loom or dyeing materials, I dug out the numerous boxes of beads that I have been collecting over the years; I always knew that I would use them one day! I began with simple techniques, but soon discovered loom weaving. I would go to the museums to see the historical works, and when back at home I would try to understand how they were done. Evolution being what it is, the peyote stitch soon followed. I began using it to set stones, as the beads and stones complimented each other beautifully. Next came appliqué and the discovery of tiny beads, which I love for their delicate nature and the detail that I can achieve with them. The ideas for my work come from within. My process often begins with a thought or feeling, frequently from meditation or dreams. Once the seed has been planted it grows inside of me, and can often take days, or even months, before it is ready to become a concrete image. My work grows from my heart rather than my intellect. Sometimes I begin with a drawing or design on paper, but once the work has begun, I allow the process to evolve, flow, and progress without feeling bound by any sketches that have been prepared. My favorite way of working is to do each piece for someone with that person in my mind and heart. This method creates an energy within the piece which is wholly for that individual. Often in my work there is symbolism and meaning that goes beyond the visual image, but sometimes it is the simple beauty of the piece that is important. My life is my art in all of its forms. My greatest source of inspiration is the Earth herself, and the flow of energy that connects all things. I view life as a celebration, and I celebrate life through my work.