I am often asked if I’ve always been an artist. I’d like to think I have. I believe we’re all made to create, how that creativity shows up can be different for all of us. So to answer that question, I’ve always been an artist. But I didn’t pursue it as a career until my late 30’s.

THE EARLY DAYS…

My earliest memory of art is from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome when I was 8 years old. I recall seeing Michelangelo’s La Pieta and just being in complete shock that someone could create that with their hands.
I’ve been surrounded by art for most of my life…from watching my mom paint as a hobby, to absorbing the art on the walls of my childhood home, to the many museums we visited as we travelled around Europe.
BUT, it wasn’t until my undergrad years that I really picked up painting…I envied the art students, so I just decided to learn on my own at home. During the days I pursued a science degree and on the weekends I painted.

THE LATER DAYS…

The long winding road:

I went on to receive my Masters in occupational therapy and worked in the field for 11 years. On the side I pursued photography and painting, as a way to decompress and to refuel.
I made lots of art and gifted it all to friends. I explored with collage, oil paints, metal, mixed media and lost all sense of time. But again, this was sporadic on not a regular practice.
Then babies came along…and I lost all sense of direction.

Some of my very first oil paintings and a sample of my photography

THE MORE RECENT DAYS…

I began to dabble more in art, hand lettering, calligraphy, watercolor painting…especially after moving cross country to the South without knowing anyone, and needing an outlet all to myself.
I developed a wonderful little artist community here in Wilmington and the rest is history.
Those little paintings lead to brave moves…I painted a few very large murals in town, I had two art shows, and I took some classes at the museum and explored new mediums.
My journey continues to evolve and my path will continue to be a winding one.

TO THOSE WHO SAY THEY’RE NOT CREATIVE AT ALL…I BEG TO DIFFER

I wasn’t born with a paintbrush in my hand.
I didn’t paint my entire life, or go to school for art.
I found my way back to art in my mid 30’s. I dove in and haven’t looked back since!
Creating and collecting art, without a doubt, is rooted deep within my soul. And I believe everyone can benefit from creative expression in their lives, I believe it’s in our souls to create, and I encourage you to find ways that resonate with you to express your creativity.

With love,

My Artist Journey: A Winding Path