Growing up, symbolism was a part of my daily life. There was a horseshoe above the door and traditions were taught and followed. In my early days I spent a lot of time reading. I fell in love with National Geographic dreaming about the places I might visit one day. I started creating work using symbols to express my feelings about life. Later when I lived in Asia, I was exposed to so many cultures and ideas that opened my work in many directions. I fell in love again with the Book of Kells, Albrecht Dürer, all things Renaissance, and illuminated manuscripts and dreamed of becoming a Master Painter. I studied early creation myths from cultures all over the world and researched symbolism. I began to study, collaborate with other artists and showed work in group and individual shows. I starting working in all media, designing logos for backpacks, creating patterns for inlay, taking photos and creating sculptures. I returned to the states and continued to study, show & sell. "Life has a way of interrupting art" - I heard that somewhere - I stopped painting and spent years only drawing highly symbolic drawings in sketchbooks with ink pen. I worked out my thoughts, my emotions, my dreams in these books and recreated my favorites in larger scale in ink and water color marking an end to my symbolism era.
