I am a self taught mixed media artist, with a love of color and texture; and a passion for designing.  I attribute my artistic abilities to my two "crafty" parents who raised nine children: five girls, and four boys, in a small West Virginia community. I often jest that we were encouraged, because we were not discouraged.  My parents allowed us to be creative.  How else do you keep nine children occupied?  Although the budget was low, the imagination ran high!

My artistic attributes and desires followed me well past my childhood.  For the past 30+ years I have worked, taught, and played with many different media.  These include metal, stones, semiprecious gemstones, pearl, wood, glass, fiber and paint.  Along the way I shared my works with friends and family, and I was always encouraged by them to do more.