ART RESUME
BIO
I received my PhD in 2001 from Michigan State University in Adult Education. My circuitous path to becoming a full time artist and educator included lots and lots of years of education (geography to economics to adult education to art - what was that all about?), working in philanthropy (groundwater education is my secret cause - do you know where your drinking water comes from?), directing a small environmental action group (people power), teaching a variety of college courses (what a gift to teach), and raising three delightful kids while always attempting to keep a paintbrush (and scissors and glue) in my hand. In 2016, I became a Golden Artist Educator adding to lots of years of really strong mentoring from fabulous artists.
Interested in all the details? See my full resume here.
Artist Statement
 God Is Not A Gumball Machine (24x24)
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My art is characterized as thoughtful, storytelling and layered. Drawing inspiration from the world around me - whether it be headlines, nature or life’s experiences - I express on the canvas what has captured my attention and my heart. I am drawn to working in mixed media and collage. My paintbrush, scissors and glue become tools for seeing and understanding, while the layers, colors, patterns and textures help to tell the story. The additional inclusion of text in my paintings serves as an important element for my own artistic expression. Growing up as the daughter of a teacher and a poet, my work naturally combines all of these elements. I learn about myself and connect to the world with each painting I create. |
Testimonials
In April I completed the Nurturing workshop. I needed this so badly. First, winter never seemed to stop! Secondly, this came at a difficult emotional time in my life. It was the PERFECT distraction and really fired me up to do more. The lessons were so thought-provoking that I found myself immersed in how I should complete a page, what materials I’d use, etc. What a JOY! It made me so excited to have my mind on art work and not on the issues I’ve been experiencing. It was so personal, this project, and for me, was not writing to express myself but the art instead. SO GRATEFUL FOR THIS INSPIRATION YOU GAVE ME!! and once again…THANK YOU. -- Carolyn
Your work give(s) us permission to be vulnerable and says “I see you and you are not alone” (and) visually names the ranges of our human experience… the excitement, the disappointment, the confusion, the guttural statement, the pain, the joy the peace that we are feeling, but may not be able to express in words. -- Bernadette
You express in visual form the range of human experience. You touch the human experience deeply. And hold up a mirror so we can see ourselves more clearly. It matters to me that you do this work because you demonstrate courage and creativity and meaning making in creating your work. -- Hanna
Your work give(s) us permission to be vulnerable and says “I see you and you are not alone” (and) visually names the ranges of our human experience… the excitement, the disappointment, the confusion, the guttural statement, the pain, the joy the peace that we are feeling, but may not be able to express in words. -- Bernadette
You express in visual form the range of human experience. You touch the human experience deeply. And hold up a mirror so we can see ourselves more clearly. It matters to me that you do this work because you demonstrate courage and creativity and meaning making in creating your work. -- Hanna
