“Partners” - 16 X 20, Acrylic, NOT FOR SALE
Resumé
Artist's Statement
I was born and raised in a small rural farming community, Brock, Nebraska. Art and especially color, has always been a passion. As a child and as an adult, I envied the person who got to name all the colors of Crayola crayons.
In 1992, I moved to Lawrence, Kansas. I came onto the local art scene in early 2003, as the owner of Gift Box Treasures. Being an entrepreneur was new ground for this farm girl. So many folks helped guide me through unchartered waters. I was graciously taken under the wing of some of Lawrences finest artists, who continue to teach and encourage me today. I cannot begin to thank you all enough. While some advice was used and some was not, all was offered in the spirit of allowing a new artist to grow and create. Thus a plan was formed and has worked flawlessly ever since. Not really ever being one to follow the straight and narrow, the boxes proved to be no exception. I purposely chose to make whatever I wanted, from anything I wanted. The only restrictions were: each and every box be decorated inside and out, with some portion being made from recycled materials, and absolutely no box would ever be duplicated. No exceptions. Each owner receives a one-of-a-kind box that is signed and dated.
A tremendous outpouring of donated broken jewelry, discarded clothing/fabric, and anything else an imagination could glue onto a box, have brought me into my sixth year. I am thrilled to now have thousands of boxes scattered throughout the United States, and in eight additional countries.
In 2008, I reintroduced myself to painting. Having been trained in oils, acrylics, and watercolors, it seemed a natural transition to continue to create not only on boxes, but venture onto canvas as well. From this, a series of paintings which are symbolic to some of my favorite boxes was started. It was like instantly being reconnected with a dear old friend, picking up right where we left off, and having never missed a beat. I have enjoyed myself so much that I have just kept right on painting. Painting boxing, boxing painting, it all works.
As I continue to recall memories of my country roots and capture day to day life in my work, I find appreciation for the simplest of things. I truly treasure where I came from and so appreciate where I am today. Now, I think my job is right up there with the person who gets to name Crayola crayons......Thank you