Women in Art 278 Magazine April 2015 | Page 21

I am a Colorado native, so I grew up loving the natural environment and the wild Rocky Mountains. Until recently, I always considered myself a watercolor artist and felt confined to that little “box” I put myself in. About two years ago, a cherished friend of mine committed suicide. After that, I felt devastated and was not even able to pick up a brush, let alone complete another watercolor painting. On a quest for discovery and healing, I took a workshop in mixed media techniques. Since that day, I’ve been obsessed – I’ve found a new and different way to express myself and my emotions. I’m on a constant quest to find unusual and discarded “things” to use in my paintings. I’ve used everything from plaster, twine, metal, foil, and even broken windshield glass. It all somehow becomes symbolic in my paintings and signifies a feeling or emotion. I also became intrigued and started experimenting with encaustic techniques. Many of my paintings are completed with a two-part poly-resin finish. Although it can be a complicated and time consuming process, it makes the colors “pop” and it also eliminates the need to frame a piece. I’m constantly learning about art and technique, through self-study as well as taking workshops and courses from a host of talented instructors in a variety of venues. My work has been displayed throughout the Front Range and resides in private collections both nationally and internationally. wom en ART page 21