Having had no formal training in the world of art, I am a self taught artist who thinks outside the box. My personality and attributes did not come without consequences, as I walked through daily life. A wealth of experiences from positive and negative challenges pushed me to limits of my own health and well being. Creativity, has proven to be the greatest gift for my healing journey. It continues to provides me with a “flashlight into the dark”. Grounding me in peace and closer to God.

In my childhood, artistic talents were not encouraged by my father. Many achievements were left unacknowledged. The relationship between a father and daughter are pivotal to a young girl’s development. She needs to feel her father’s praise and protection to support her growth into a self confident woman. This was not his fault, it was part of his many traumas from the war and leaving his homeland alone as a young boy of 17 years of age. My father’s father was also an artist and all of his work destroyed in the village fires from the carnage of WW11.
Art was considered frivolous and devalued for it could not offer the necessary fundamentals to survive in these impoverished conditions. I still pursued my quest even though it was in spite of my fathers opinions and lack of acknowledgement. Drawing and painting helped me with my many difficulties and pain during my years of childhood. I discovered and learned how to embrace life with gratitude rather than remain in the grips of pain. No one has the ability to control our innate creative pose. This was mine to keep and own.

My creative expression has became a strong conduit for the journey of healing and to help others. I worked as a nurse for 35 years and in retirement continue to teach in the community
about holistic health, using art and experiential theory to support mental health and wellness. Many of my paintings are donated to support groups in mental health and child development.

May you all find you way through any darkness and capture the light of hope, faith and love that every day has to offer you.