I was born into a family of prolific, artistic types in Portland, Oregon and like to joke that I was born with a crayon in my mouth. I studied art at Portland State University, attended art classes at University of Alaska Southeast from 1986 to 1996, learned colored pencil techniques from Bet Borgeson and took a workshop in "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain." My primary artistic mentor throughout my childhood and young adult years, however, was my paternal grandmother, Jean E. Bennett, formerly a professional artist in the Seattle, Washington area.
     Since the time I was capable of holding that crayon in my plump little hand, I have explored a wide variety of media; but I consider myself a "fine point artist," one who prefers the use of pencils, pens and pointed tools for rendering my detailed images. As I love diversity, my images cover a spectrum between cartoons and landscapes, earthy and otherworldly. My artwork reflects my love of Earth and my deep appreciation for life, its humor, beauty and endless opportunities for learning.
     Intaglio etching, embossing, pencil, and pen and ink are my preferred media, although I venture into watercolor and oil painting and sculpture from time to time. Each challenges me in different ways.
     I left the raw, rainy, wildness of Southeast Alaska in 1999 after my son's graduation from high school and moved back to the warmer, drier Pacific Northwest, discovering that there is a difference between wind burn and sun burn, as well as being exposed to new and exciting inspirations for my art creations. Behind me I left a rich history of involvement in the arts, including helping found a co-operative artists' gallery in Juneau, Alaska, teaching art to grade school children in Juneau's Gifted and Talented program and at the Juneau Fine Arts Camp. I have participated in numerous invitational and juried shows, solo and group shows and art fairs in Alaska and Washington.
     Now, in the more beneficent climes of Puget Sound, I've allowed a deeper blending of creativity with my other life's calling in the healing disciplines of Acupressure and Reiki, and have scripted and co-produced a CD of healing visualizations. My visual art continues to delight and direct me, always opening to new possibilities.
     There is a place in all of us that has a deep need for healing and beauty. I want my artwork to inspire, educate and entertain; validate, yet present perspectives not commonly considered.