A passion for the magical, dreamtime world.
I’ve been an artist my whole life, exploring through photography, painting, mixed media assemblage and more. I love to explore consciousness and the inner self/shadow self/dream state. Sharing art is a joy, and I love to offer classes in crafting – bringing people together to create.
In college I wanted to be a writer, and a literature teacher. But I also knew I was an artist, and self-expression brought me joy. I quickly discovered photography, and the wonders of the darkroom, and proceeded to devour hours in the dark, playing with shadow, light, dreamy images of women and surreal figures. I infused my work with poetry and personal meaning. Everything was about self discovery. I was influenced early on by the work of Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung, and personal teachers and mentors along the way. Museums and galleries were my passion, and I imagined being a curator some day.
While working at the Women’s Center at my college, Cal State University Northridge, I curated an art show by survivors of domestic violence. Exploring themes of women’s spirituality and empowerment was important; there was no question- goddess symbology spoke to me and I owned it- in my art and my personal life. I explored myself by becoming an artist’s muse, a band photographer, a magician’s sidekick, a nature priestess, a craftsperson, a photography instructor…you get the idea.
After college I moved to Eugene, started a family and my graphic and website design business, Rainsong Design. I continue to create my art with surreal, dreamlike impressions, but now instead of darkroom work I create mixed media assemblage and tinker with found objects. Sometimes my photographs want to be a part of the piece and they make their way into it. These days I am fascinated with storytelling and the art of Faerie Tales. I have set out to read every single one I can get my hands on, from classics to forgotten tomes.
My latest obsession began when I spied a ragged but plain looking book on the shelf at an antique shop in downtown Eugene. It was the story “Honey Bee” by Anatole France. I took it home and devoured it- the story and the writing were so poetic they moved me to stop and write down extraordinary passages and to create art about this story. See the clock with the quote on it in the Galleries. Then I was hooked in a big way, and the Faerie Tales are piling up in my life.
The magic and wonder of childhood is an integral part of the evolution of my art. I also teach children about art, history and nature…work which feeds my soul.
