I make drawings, collages, artists’ books and boxes. My work is exhibited regionally and my artists' books are in many university library collections. I graduated from Grand Valley State College in 1976 with a degree in arts and media and went on to study and work in the field of early child development for many years. As a maker of art all my life, starting at age 4 with Annette Barnett, returning to working with my hands in 1990 felt like coming home.

Why make art?

My work is compelled and inspired by materials found in the studio and in the natural environment, ideas in my personal life, and a careful observation of nature. If presented successfully, the work touches the lives of the viewers and offers fresh perspectives.

Sometimes I turn to making artist’s books and boxes because the nature and size of the format facilitates an intimate, tactile and oddly familiar structure of communication. Combining this content and materials-driven approach with fine craft is central to all of my work. My most influential mentors in box-making, teaching, patience, generosity, and creativity have been Hedi Kyle, Barbara Mauriello and the late Ann Lindbeck.

Teaching:

I love to teach, especially opening the eyes of beginners. With a master’s degree in child development and family studies and a 15-year varied career in that field, I have an ability to clearly organize and explain, understanding the others’ point of view. I have taught 5-year-olds simple book making, 75-year-olds complex box-making, and many skills to ages in between. I have also developed a curriculum for ages 5-11 focusing on book making as a tool for thinking for use in the actual or virtual classroom.

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