There are so many pieces that make up who I am. I am a yogi, a fitness freak, a graphic designer, a photographer, a jewelry artist . . . The list goes on and on, but these are my biggest passions . . .
Photographer
For as long as I can remember I wanted to “be a photographer.” Up until I attended my first photography workshop my famous line was, “I’m not a photographer. I’m just a graphic designer that likes to take pictures.” It took me going to this workshop and hearing the professionals tell me that I am indeed “a photographer.” The biggest hurdle in most things is the belief in yourself. I wasn’t quite sure of myself, but if the pros say I’m a real photographer, than I guess that I believe that I am!
It’s a passion in me that never died nor faded and I’m thrilled to have yet another creative outlet. You can check out some of my work in the “Portfolio” section of this site, as well as via the links listed under More Photos in the footer.
Graphic / Interior Designer
My ‘real job‘ is graphic design and I consider myself very lucky to get paid to be creative, play with fun software, make things pretty, and occasionally go out to shoot both video and still photos. I seem to be the most happy when I’m making and creating things. It doesn’t seem to matter what the project is, as long as I can make it look good it becomes my ‘work of art.’ I also do some freelance graphic design including website building, brochure/business card design, etc. If you have a small job that you need to get done, please contact me.
Taking my desire to make things look good to another level, I completed an Interior Redesign course to achieve my certification in “Redesign.” The unique aspect of Interior Redesign is the fact that you mostly work with what you already have. This is far more challenging than running out and buying all new things. Many people can improve the look of a room with a big budget. But it takes some creative juices to work within pre-set constraints. It forces you to think outside the box. I live for home improvement projects!
Digital Artist
I may not have been born with true drawing or painting talent, but I developed a unique way of presenting some of my photography. After going to many art shows I realized that much of the photography blends together without anything to differentiate one artist from the next. I decided that I wanted to be different. I wanted my art to stand out from the photographer next door. My background in graphic design sure did help. I use my camera to compose a beautiful scene and then I use my software to turn it into a “digital work of art.” Some of these can be seen in the Digital Art section of my Portfolio.
Jewelry Design
I’ve wanted to own a kiln since the first time I visited a paint-your-own-pottery studio. I thought that painting on dull tiles and then having them magically transformed in a kiln was the greatest thing on Earth. That was until I discovered fused glass. Who knew that you could melt glass in the same kiln you can fire pottery in? That was it, I was sold. I bought myself a small jewelry kiln, attended a glass class, and off I went diving into the very addictive world of fused glass. Opening up that kiln to view my finished pieces never ceases to give me the thrill of a child on Christmas morning.
Gallery
My little art gallery, Green Valley Arts, was born in 2009 when my husband graciously agreed to build an outbuilding in our back yard. It’s always been my dream to either own a little art studio or have my work displayed in an art gallery. This accomplished both dreams. The result was the cutest little building that we fondly refer to as “The Love Shack.” We had our grand opening during Artists Open Studio in the Fall of 2009. Soon after I recruited some other local artists to display their works and opened the gallery one Saturday per month during the following Summer and Fall months. These days it’s open by appointment only. If you would like to drop in for a visit, please contact me.