I have often been asked how I got started doing artwork and believe it or not, it is a simple and yet complicated answer.
It started with my Mom - a very creative person, she influenced me in so many ways but a key item was she that taught me and a few of my siblings to embroider when we were quite young (and later taught me to sew). My Dad also had a part in this, too - he and my mom were farmers - and growing up a farm kid means growing up outside - where one is immersed with color, texture, smells - all things that I have drawn upon for my creations.
I took art classes in school and while I can draw, sort-of, it isn't a strong skill for me. I have dabbled with oils, acrylics, watercolor and some wood carving/print making.
I can't remember why exactly I got started but one day I got the idea for doing a wall hanging with a Halloween theme - and the rest is history! (there is a photo of the piece in the artwork section). Since then, I have completed about 60 different works including 2 queen size quilts, many wall hangings, several shadow box pieces, altered books and a host of collages on painted canvas.
My main inspiration are the people I know and love - I usually create pieces specifically for a person that reflects who they are, what they like to do and how I feel about them. Here is an example - a piece I created for Laura Jaye Hale - artist, student, music lover, etc.
It started with my Mom - a very creative person, she influenced me in so many ways but a key item was she that taught me and a few of my siblings to embroider when we were quite young (and later taught me to sew). My Dad also had a part in this, too - he and my mom were farmers - and growing up a farm kid means growing up outside - where one is immersed with color, texture, smells - all things that I have drawn upon for my creations.
I took art classes in school and while I can draw, sort-of, it isn't a strong skill for me. I have dabbled with oils, acrylics, watercolor and some wood carving/print making.
I can't remember why exactly I got started but one day I got the idea for doing a wall hanging with a Halloween theme - and the rest is history! (there is a photo of the piece in the artwork section). Since then, I have completed about 60 different works including 2 queen size quilts, many wall hangings, several shadow box pieces, altered books and a host of collages on painted canvas.
My main inspiration are the people I know and love - I usually create pieces specifically for a person that reflects who they are, what they like to do and how I feel about them. Here is an example - a piece I created for Laura Jaye Hale - artist, student, music lover, etc.
This piece is a fabric, paper and notions collage on painted canvas utilizing copious amounts of Mod Podge. (I really ought to buy stock in that company).
Once I collect all the things I want to include on a piece, I lay everything out and then stand back and look at it for a while, minutes to days depending. I fuss with the design until it is just right and then I get started. Sometimes they come together quickly and beautifully, and other times, they take forever but ultimately, they come out just right and hopefully, delight the person who was the inspiration.
Once I collect all the things I want to include on a piece, I lay everything out and then stand back and look at it for a while, minutes to days depending. I fuss with the design until it is just right and then I get started. Sometimes they come together quickly and beautifully, and other times, they take forever but ultimately, they come out just right and hopefully, delight the person who was the inspiration.
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