Tell us a little bit about your practice as a maker. Where do you thrive? Where do you struggle?

I thrive when I get going. My life’s quest has been the merging of word with image. I struggled for many years with tight perfectionism that often left me “frozen.” Laurie’s classes have thawed me out. I can now stop myself from obsessing and I am no longer afraid of “failure.” PHEW!

What is the strangest object in your studio?

I chose three tools that mean so much to me, not because they are strange but because they embody the power of the natural world. I was given 4 reed pens by Ward Dunham, with their history wrapped around each one. When I use them, something happens. Secondly, Paul Mauer made and gave me a brush he made of cat whiskers. Lastly, I have used dried poppy pods as a stamp and the results look rather cosmic, little dots circling.

What is one intention you have for your practice this year?

I have noticed that when I’m involved with my work, I forget about my aches and pains. Hence, I offer myself the determination to MAKE more, feel fatigue and pain LESS. I have a somewhat large box filled with found objects that speak to me; always a good place to start.

Currently, I have been making birthday cards for loved ones, each with something personal about it. Also, I sent around the one with the Roman saying, “The shadow passes; light remains” as a statement for our times. I love working in circles (right). Ward was the best at this as was Raphael Boguslav, who both speak to me from their studios in the sky. This is a little painting I did (left), attempting to capture the essence of Laurie’s splendid workshop in Umbria, Italy, October, 2023.