This is me
This is my motto
“Live in Love and Joy. Inspire others to do the same.”
I like: blue skies, country roads, strawberries, big smiles, the sound of the ocean & birds chirping in the morning.
Mission Statement:
I LOVE ART and I LOVE TEACHING. It is my goal to create art and art workshops that will spark creative fires within others. I see art as a tool for understanding ourselves and our connection with the Divine Spirit that lives in us all. I strive to teach others to trust themselves and to live more creative lives. This is my passion. It is an absolute JOY to share my passion with you!
Biography:
I currently live in North Carolina with my husband, Dan, and our 3 year old son, Noah. In Noah’s words “there are three artists here, Mommy, Daddy & Noah.” We are indeed a creative bunch and tend to do things a bit differently than most folks. I wouldn’t have it any other way! Together we spend our days making art, playing, cooking, gardening & traveling. This creative life is the inspiration behind my artwork, my teaching and my blog.
When I was in first grade I declared my intention to be an art teacher when I grew up. Going to art class was the highlight of my school days. I thought it would be so cool to be able to play with art all day and to teach others about it.
I am living my childhood dream! I am not only working as a professional artist & art educator, but I am running my own business doing so. How cool is that?
While I enjoy creating with several art mediums, painting is my primary artistic outlet. Inspired by my varied environments and travels cross-country and abroad, I capture onto canvas the beauty I see in the world. My impressionistic works have been showcased in several galleries from the East to West coasts including The Museum of the Living Man in San Diego California, The Nature of Art Gallery in Holly Springs, NC and Olde Town Gallery in Fayetteville, NC. Currently, several of my paintings are available through The Joyful Jewel in Pittsboro, NC. I have had the opportunity to participate in solo, group and juried exhibitions as well as the honor of being selected as the featured artist for multiple art events such as the 2003 San Diego Art Walk. Visit the “art exhibition” link for further information on current and past exhibitions as well as a list of publications featuring my work. Click here to read my interview in City View Magazine.
My passion for art always extended past my own easel. I had a desire to teach others. I graduated college with a degree in Art Education and even jumped through all the hoops necessary to obtain my teaching license in three states. (We moved a lot.) However, I often found myself teaching art outside of the traditional school setting. I worked through organizations such as The San Diego Museum of Art & The Institute for Arts Education in San Diego, California.
After moving to North Carolina, I began JoyfulArts Studio. In the beginning I taught children’s classes & private painting lessons to adults. In 2005 I found a new passion for the expressive arts, especially in the form of Visual Journals. I had discovered for myself the healing power of art. A new “healing” mission began and I started teaching adults to play like children. Through this powerful play I have witnessed dreams unfold, confidence build and lives change.
I am currently offering expressive art workshops online, in person and through an upcoming weekend retreat. For more information on these programs please visit the workshops & retreat listing.
I have also dedicated my life to Spiritual studies and practices in order to facilitate even more healing in the lives of others. I am an ordained minister and a Reiki Master teacher and practitioner. If you are interested in learning more about my Reiki offerings please click here.
Want to know even more about my creative passion and what inspires me? Check out these past interviews.
Interview with Me June 2010
30 Journals 30 Days July 2010
Inspiring Artist Interviews Are Back March 2011
Meet my support staff:
My Family for whom I am incredibly grateful!
My husband Dan is the mastermind behind this website. He designed the entire thing from start to finish! In addition to his artistic talent and computer skills, Dan is also my biggest cheerleader. His confidence in me continually helps to push me further in my work. Be sure to visit his website RiseMedia.org for your multi-media needs!
Dan likes: anything to do with Star Wars, old video games, Tom Waits & wearing shirts with robot dinosaurs.
My son Noah helps to keep me centered in play every day! He loves to spend time with me in my studio. We often paint side by side at our easels. Sometimes he sits at my desk and pretends to do “his art class.”
Noah likes: anything to do with trains, Toy Story, pears, camping & wearing shirts with dinosaurs or robots.
