I am a problem solver and visual thinker. I feel lucky that I had the benefit of arts and building in my childhood experience. I consider these skills some of the most foundational whether I am making art or filling my taxes. After learning and teaching throughout most of my life, I am currently making art of a few types. My current mosaic project is made with zero waste material like siding samples and old ceramics. My current paintings are small abstract landscapes to prepare for my classes. I have made a few larger pieces for shows.

Abstract landscapes have identified themselves as a theme in my work and in my classes. I have been doing plein air events for the last 10 years and regularly draw what I see out of the window or while sitting at a cafe. Some of my classes are based on Hans Hoffmann. He paints abstract landscapes. My mosaics are seasonal or locational subject matter. The subject matter of my current zero waste mosaics are based on what the shapes and colors of the tesserae remind me of. There is one with a lot of floral and pastel, but it makes me think of the beach in Florida.

I prefer to work on two things at a time because I can take a break and keep working at the same time. My painting and mosaic making are working simultaneously. I am able to spend time doing some art history review while painting. Then, I need a break so I can mosaic about bears for a while. On top of my creative foundation, I have built various work processes and like to see how they can be applied to my art making/teaching processes.