Where I've Been and Where I'm Going

Growing up in a small farming community, in the absence of any formal art instruction, was in no way detrimental to my artistic development.  In many ways it was a fine training ground for an aspiring artist.  I learned faith, honesty, work ethic, determination and perseverance at the knee of three generations of hard working farmers and a small community that was equally family. 

Creativity is nurtured in the dream time.  Childhood was spent outdoors, riding horse, riding bike, exploring, swimming and boating in the summer, skating, sledding and snowmobiliing during the long winters.  There was ample play time, once chores were done, which was ripe with imaginative projects and good friends who were equally gifted at fun.  

My Mother and Maternal Grandmother had artistic vision and passed that to me.  Many wonderful early memories were made while spending time with them in the creation of some craft or painting project.  The first real paint set came from my Grandmother and I made good use of it.  The fire was lit. 


Though public school offered no art instruction, I managed to use my talents for school and community wherever an artistic hand was needed.   College at NDSU, Fargo offered the opportunity I was hungry for, a formal art education.  I interrupted my college to work and later marry.  So, four kids (who were always first on my list), two jobs and fifteen years later I finished  my degree at EMC (Eastern Montana College,Billings - now MSU) and finally earned my B.A. with an extended major and an emphasis on drawing and sculpture.  

I have continued to work creatively by attending a weekly life drawing session (though admittedly I don't make it every week) since 1991, worked on and off for 15 years doing life size and monumental bronze, gallery sales, framing, matting and fitting, and have spent the last 20+ years as a landscape designer.  

I have so much more to do.  I invite you to come along on this journey with me.