Biography

In 1971 I moved to Albuquerque, NM, where I spent the remainder of my childhood and early adult years. I later moved to Dallas, TX where I received a BS in Psychology, a minor in American Sign Language, and a Master's in Audiology from the University of Texas at Dallas. I then returned to live in the foothills of Albuquerque. I recall having an interest in drawing from a very early age, but tucked it away. I rediscovered my love for art and found my passion for oil painting after being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and Fibromyalgia in 2005. I had previously practiced as an audiologist for 8 years, and later worked in the pharmaceutical industry. Being chronically ill forced me to abandon my career to stay home and rest. What I didn't know was that a new opportunity was blooming. During this challenging period of change I was encouraged by my son-in-law, a very talented artist, to "just paint", but shortly thereafter we lost him to suicide. I inherited the contents of his studio, and continue to use his equipment and supplies. His influence is present in my work. I am inspired by the complexity of flowers, and find oil painting them in a macro format very meditative and healing. I enjoy expressing the soft exterior of the petals, and the safe, complex centers through the use of color and texture. Art is my new focus, and so I "just paint". Although I have had some formal training, I am primarily self taught.