Artist Statement
We sometimes see art as a type of hieroglyphic that, once deciphered, might reveal an answer to some deep mystery. And the goal then is to figure out the code. We look to artist statements to be our code breakers.
But I seek to discover the mysteries and code of the universe like everyone else and find statements difficult to write. My work is more full with questions and contemplations than it is with statements and answers.
Most days my eyes are preoccupied with the solid and concrete. I pass through the corridors of the created with a matter-of-fact nonchalance. I naively and communally participate in the building of our structures as we constantly seek a better system, a better life, hiding from ourselves the destruction we bring in the wake of the pursuit.
But there are moments when beauty breaks through. The sidewalk cracks and reveals the molten fire below. Liquid light drips down from grey encrusted skies. Dirt captured on my sole begins to glisten and pure water leaks out of dirty streams.
And I am captured by the beauty. I am made aware that what my eyes see and my mind understands is not all there is to see and understand. The story we live is much larger than the story we have written for ourselves.
And that's when I begin to create, when these two stories collide and the earth breaks open. I paint the space where the physical and the spiritual kiss.
More about me: I work in mixed media and painting and exhibit widely, selling my work. I earned my MFA from UW-Madison and work professionally as a designer for print and web media. I teach classes and workshops through both university and community arts programs in design and fine art and have spoken at national and international conferences. I currently live in Madison, WI and am represented by Grace Chosy Gallery in Madison. I am a member of the artsTRIBE collective, the International Encaustic Artists association (IEA), the Chicago Arts Coalition (CAC) and the Madison Artists Alliance (MAA).
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EDUCATION
1986-1989
University of Wisconsin, Madison WI
MFA, Printmaking/Painting; May 1989
1985
University of Wisconsin, Madison WI
graduate work in linguistics
1975-1978
Southern Illinois University Carbondale IL
Bachelor of Science: December 1978
Major: Publication Graphics
Minor: Journalism and Fine Art
TEACHING / PRESENTATIONS / WORKSHOPS
2008
Encaustic Demonstration, Shake Rag Arts Center, Mineral Point, WI
Juror, for regional WRAP exhibition (Wisconsin Regional Artist Program), Shake Rag Arts Center, Mineral Point, WI
2005
Collage and Mixed Media Workshop, Shake Rag Arts Center, Mineral Point, WI
2004
Graphic Design for Non-Designers Workshop, NCO Annual Conference, San Diego, CA
Using the Internet as a Tool for Outreach Workshop, NCO Annual Conference, San Diego, CA
2003
Artist Talk, Balance, an exhibition of 3 artists Commonwealth Gallery, Madison WI
2000
Lecturer, Print and Electronic Media Design, Ag Journalism 530 Media Design,
UW-Madison Department of Life Sciences Communications
WORK HISTORY
1/2001-Present
National Center for Media Engagement
funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, affiliated with the University of Wisconsin-Extension
Web and New Media Manager
8/2000-12/ 2000
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Dept. of Life Sciences Communications
Lecturer, Print and Electronic Media Design
1/93-12/2000
WHA-TV, Wisconsin Public Television,
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Senior Designer for electronic and print media
6/89-12/92
Madison Graphic Services, Madison WI
Art Director
9/88-5/90
Elvehjem Museum of Art, UW-Madison
Assistant to the Registrar
9/83-1/85
Madison Graphic Services, Madison WI
Sr. Designer
4/82-3/83
Brose Design, Champaign, IL
Owner, Graphic Design Studio
3/81-3/82
Apprentice Printmaker
to Master Printmaker, Rimer Cardillo
hosted by Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL
2/80-3/81
Colortone Printing, Murphysboro IL
Graphic Artist, pre-press production
3/79-1/80
Frontier Community College, Fairfield IL
Editor of Publications, public relations