My happiest childhood experiences were spent on
the banks of the upper Mississippi River just north of
Cordova, Illinois. Only Mark Twain imagined a childhood
more active than my early years on the river. My love
affair with the Sunshine State began in 1960 when my grandparents
retired here and we would vacation with them; back
before urban sprawl decimated most of the natural
roadside wonders of Florida chic.
I was recruited to Florida in the eighties to
create a new brand of publications, training and media
to support the Secretary of a large government agency.
My skill at building design teams and streamlining
costs brought me a series of three, long term art
directorships, as well as numerous opportunites to give
back to the community.
The art card designs originated in 1990 from a freelance assignment for an environmental organization. The piece entitled "Sunner" was the first design which was soon followed by "Hello" the line now consists of more than 30 original works. My designs all pay respect to the abundant wildlife of Florida, with particular respect being paid to the Seminole/Miccosukee Indian tribes through the use of their beautiful patchwork patterns that I use to border out every design I create.
Sumi-é now fuels my soul. Once again living by water, I find inspiration from the
Koi in my pond and the people and landscapes I pass on my daily travels. If in one glance, I see the "chi," then it stays with me until I can express it in the fewest colors, and each time—knowing from the first stroke if it will be the
work of art that it is meant to be.
Shows
- Essential Nature - 2008
A two person show, Sumié and Asian influenced stoneware
Turner Arts Center, Valdosta GA
- Art Walk - 2007
Inaugural Art Walk, Apalachicola FL
- Brushstroke Path - 2006
Sumie show and benefit, Tallahassee FL
- Portraits in Passing - 2006
Sumié portraits and other captured moments
1123@Midtown, Tallahassee FL
- Essential Nature - 2006
A two person show, Sumié and Asian infl uenced stoneware
Colquitt County Arts Center, Moultrie GA
- A Brushstroke Path - 2005
A Sumie show and benefit, Tallahassee FL
- Live Art For Lake Jackson - 2005
Art Awareness Demonstration and sale, Tallahassee FL
- Scientific Tree Care Holiday Cards - 2003, 2004.
Sumié paintings of trees and wildlife native to St.George Island, FL
- A Brushstroke Path - 2004
A Sumié show and benefit, Tallahassee FL
- Leroy Collins Library- 2004
Exhibit of illustrations and writings, Tallahassee FL
- Artistre Gallery - 2003
A two person show, Sumié and Asian influenced stoneware
Awards
- Insider Show - 2002,
2nd place in Sumié category
- Insider Show - 2001,
1st place - Sumié category
- Florida Wildlife Federation - 2000,
Holiday Card design
Professional and Graphic Art Awards
- Silver ADDY 1999, awarded for Public Service Advertising Angel Category, "Sunrise Skill Builders"
- Davis Productivity Award - 1997, awarded for measurable increase in performance and productivity
in providing state services to Florida Taxpayers
- Publications and Electronic Media Contest 1997, National School Public Relations
Associations - Award of Merit, State/Intermediate Agency - Home Page
- Silver Addy 1996, awarded for Public Service Advertising Angel Category, Florida Literacy Coalition Poster
- Mature Media National Awards 1994 - Silver Award
awarded for "Snapshots of Success", Community Organizations, Misc. Publications
- Davis Productivity Award 1994, Honorable Mention
awarded for the production of money saving initiatives to the state of Florida, Achieving "Goal Five"
- Golden Addy 1994, awarded for excellence by the American Advertising Federation, "Snapshots of Success",
Education for Elders in Florida.
- Golden Addy 1992, awarded for excellence by the American Advertising Federation, MediPass Poster.
- Merek, Sharp and Dohme Award 1992, for Advances in Quality.
- 1992 Travelers Award, for Advances in Cost Management.
- Honorable Mention, 1992 FTP-NEA membership materials, membership calendar.
- Best in Nation, 1991 FTP-NEA Membership Materials.
- Honorable Mention, Florida Medical Association 1989, HRS 100 Year of Public Health
Memberships
-
National Museum for Women in the Arts, NW Florida
- Zonta