I was born this way!

My arrival was unplanned and unfortunately I was born 60%+ blind! At Christmas time my mom said “look at that beautiful tree!” I said “What tree?” I was quickly diagnosed at age 5 and subsequently given tiny little thick glasses. Suddenly I saw the light and now I see the world as one giant sometimes fuzzy composition. I can paint 2 inches from my work without glasses. Contacts do not allow me to paint or read. I have gotten completely used to this way of living. I have recently begun to paint larger canvas and this is a true challenge!

I mentally compose almost every moment that I see as a painting. My senses of smell and hearing developed to a super level because of my lack of sight. Sometimes this gift is overwhelming but I cannot control it nor do I usually want to do so. The minutia of our planet is full of beauty if you just STOP and look.

My creativity is sparked by golden low lights of dawn and dusk and my interests are highly diverse. I will frequently add the form of a beautiful woman to the beauty of Mother Nature. Much of my latest work is more personally symbolic and frequently a reflection of the puritanical changes in society as a whole. Most of these societal changes I consider very controversial.

In 1972 my father sent photos of my work to the fashion designer Anne Klein who hired me to be her apprentice. We visited monthly as she critiqued my work and I stayed in her home in Manhattan. It was glorious and could have been life changing but sadly she died 2 weeks before I was to move into her home. Stupefied I struggled with my future so of course I applied and was accepted into the Merchant Marines ! Luckily my dad talked me out of this at the last minute! SOOOO as all good women born in the 50’s were expected to do I went on to marry and raise my children through 2 divorces and NOW it is my time.

40 years of hard work and whilst putting myself through The Art Institute of Philadelphia has now evolved into my life’s purpose! I am finally trying to find my true style which usually involves controversial subjects. Some of my work is by commission and rarely seen by anyone other than my clients.

I spend 8-10 hours a day in my studio thanks to the support of my husband. My portfolio is short but each exhibit builds confidence. I am not ashamed to admit that I have been taught many tips by watching artists on Instagram, squinting at my tiny telephone.

In the last few years I have shown my work at Art Plus, Yocum Center for the Arts, Goggle works twice, IX (second string) Rosemont College 101 artists and recently NAWA in Manhattan. You can see my work in person this fall at the Chester County Art Walk.