What captures my imagination and what I explore in my art
I am interested in edges and intersections of transformation where one thing moves inexorably to become something else. When, for instance, does the caterpillar end and the butterfly begin? When is the moment when love fades into anger and resentment; when disillusionment erupts into a violent uprising; when order descends into chaos? And when is the moment when war turns towards peace; when unbearable grief shifts towards acceptance; or when pain gives way to relief?
Thanks to my practice as a psychotherapist, I have witnessed the transformation of the human spirit. I am in awe of resilient clients who pick up the pieces of a broken life and find a regenerated purpose.
The natural metaphors of transformation are abundant: caterpillar to butterfly, the aging process, changing states of matter, to name a few. In my work I seek out places where a close-up view of a known object reveals new patterns of color, texture and form. I'm inspired by the edges of things: where land meets sea, rock becomes earth and sky becomes cloud. In the photomontages I weave together natural elements into abstract forms; playing with the intersections of shapes, forms, and colors.
The natural environment shows us that all things change. Transformation starts the moment something comes into being, hurtling towards disintegration and then resurrecting in a new form. For me, this is a promise of renewal and a reminder of my connection to everything.
I am fortunate to call the Southwest - a place of incredible natural beauty - my home. I have lived in Tucson, AZ since 1975 when I moved here to pursue a Master's Degree in Counseling at the University of Arizona. When I retired from a long career in mental health, I turned my attention full time to photography, ultimately finding my niche in photographing natural subjects.
My work hangs in galleries, as well as in private and corporate collections throughout the US. My work has been featured at Waxlander Gallery in Santa Fe, PhotoPlace Gallery in Middlebury, VT, and Afterimage Gallery in Dallas. I have representation through Cynthia Byrnes Contemporary Art in New York. Since 2009, 12 of my bodies of work have received honorable mentions from the International Photography Awards. In 2015 I was selected for ASMP's Best of 2015 award.