About the Artist

Every place has its own unique character. My home in Northern Michigan is a land of untamed lakes, pristine beaches, dense pine forests and majestic dunes silhouetted against the sky.   Hauntingly beautiful, it is an area apart—worlds away from what we know as mainstream America.   

We all are molded by place and story.  The stories I share are of the hardships and determination of those who carved this place out of thick pine forests-- intrepid homesteaders,  and hunters, trappers and fishermen making a life through hard work and perseverance.  Punishingly harsh winters when blizzards cut them off from the world and food became scarce. It was common to wake with snow on your blankets  were followed by glorious summers of  berry picking,  family reunions and picnics by the lake.  Roots go deep here and the stories are of toughness, independence and the frontier spirit—stories of survival.  

Up here we are surrounded by nature.  We are immersed in wilderness and wildlife and we are constantly reminded of the interconnectivity of life.  Much of the world view is grounded by Anishaabe nature wisdom. 

I create art to  share the many moods of this beautiful place and to express the deep attachment I feel for my home in the North.  I primarily use graphite occasionally highlighted by muted graphite watercolors to impart the feeling of the elemental starkness and 

simplicity of my subjects.  I am drawn to abandoned farmhouses and weathered barns because I am fascinated by imagining the stories of the lives that  once lived within those walls.  

My favorite subject is ancient trees.  They have so much character and so much wisdom.  When I am  among the trees, I try to be still and listen to what they tell me.  I feel at peace.